Hairbreadth

Pronunciation: /ˈherˌbrɛdθ/

Definitions of hairbreadth

noun a very small distance or margin

Example Sentences

A1 She missed the target by a hairbreadth.

A2 The detective narrowly escaped danger by a hairbreadth.

B1 The hiker's survival was a hairbreadth away from disaster.

B2 The car swerved past the pedestrian by a hairbreadth.

C1 The pilot's skillful maneuvering saved the plane by a hairbreadth.

C2 The spy's mission success depended on a hairbreadth execution of the plan.

Examples of hairbreadth in a Sentence

formal The car missed hitting the pedestrian by a hairbreadth.

informal I almost burned the cake, but managed to save it by a hairbreadth.

slang That was a close call, we escaped by a hairbreadth!

figurative She made a hairbreadth escape from the dangerous situation.

Grammatical Forms of hairbreadth

• past tense: hairbreadthed
• plural: hairbreadths
• comparative: more hairbreadth
• superlative: most hairbreadth
• present tense: hairbreadths
• future tense: will hairbreadth
• perfect tense: have hairbreadthed
• continuous tense: is hairbreadthing
• singular: hairbreadth
• positive degree: hairbreadth
• infinitive: to hairbreadth
• gerund: hairbreadthing
• participle: hairbreadthed

Origin and Evolution of hairbreadth

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The word 'hairbreadth' originated from Middle English, where 'hair' referred to a very small measurement and 'breadth' referred to width.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'hairbreadth' has evolved to commonly refer to a very small or narrow margin or distance, often used in dramatic or intense situations.