stretch

[stretʃ]

stretch Definition

  • 1to extend one's limbs or body to full length, typically so as to tighten one's muscles and joints or to reach something
  • 2to be made or be capable of being made longer or wider without tearing or breaking
  • 3to make (something) longer or wider by pulling it

Using stretch: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "stretch" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    I always stretch before exercising.

  • Example

    The fabric stretches easily.

  • Example

    She stretched the rubber band until it snapped.

stretch Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for stretch

Phrases with stretch

  • stretch one's legs

    to take a short walk in order to exercise one's legs after sitting for a long time

    Example

    Let's stop at the rest area so we can stretch our legs.

  • to exaggerate or distort the truth

    Example

    He stretched the truth when he said he had never been late to work.

  • an ambitious target that is difficult but not impossible to achieve

    Example

    Our stretch goal is to increase sales by 50% this quarter.

Origins of stretch

from Middle English 'strecchen', from Old English 'streccan', related to Dutch 'strekken' and German 'strecken'

📌

Summary: stretch in Brief

To 'stretch' [stretʃ] is to extend one's limbs or body, to make something longer or wider, or to be capable of being made longer or wider. It can refer to physical actions like stretching before exercise or stretching fabric, or figurative actions like stretching the truth. Phrases like 'stretch one's legs' and 'stretch goal' add additional context.

How do native speakers use this expression?