outstretched
UK: /ˌaʊtˈstretʃt/ | US: /ˌaʊtˈstretʃt/
adj. extended or stretched out to full length
adj. (of limbs or body parts) spread widely
The word "outstretched" combines "out," meaning "beyond" (from Old English ūt), with "stretch," derived from Old English streccan ("to extend"). The suffix "-ed" marks it as a past participle, forming an adjective describing something fully extended. The logic reflects physical expansion beyond a default position, often implying readiness or openness.
She lay on the grass with her arms outstretched, soaking in the sun.
The eagle soared with its wings outstretched against the sky.
He greeted the crowd with an outstretched hand.
The cat yawned, its paws outstretched in a lazy stretch.
The map was spread outstretched across the table.