sweeping
UK: ˈswiːpɪŋ | US: ˈswiːpɪŋ
adj. covering a wide area or range; extensive
adj. done or acting in a forceful, comprehensive, or indiscriminate way
n. the action of cleaning or clearing with a broom or brush
The word "sweeping" derives from the Old English "swāpan," meaning "to sweep or clean." The root "sweep" retains its core meaning of clearing or moving something away, while the suffix "-ing" transforms it into an adjective or noun form. Over time, "sweeping" evolved metaphorically to describe broad, forceful actions or wide-ranging effects, mirroring the physical motion of sweeping.
The sweeping reforms transformed the education system.
She made a sweeping gesture to emphasize her point.
The janitor finished his sweeping of the hallway.
The storm caused sweeping damage across the region.
His sweeping statement ignored many important details.