Definition

A very small distance or amount, often used to describe something that is just barely achieved or won.

Example

He won the race by a hairsbreadth, just ahead of his closest competitor.

Conversation

Did you see that race yesterday?

Yeah, it was so close!

I can't believe he won by a hairsbreadth.

Right? It was such an intense finish!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hairsbreadth → It is formed from "hair" (from Old English "hæġr", meaning the fine strands growing from the skin) and "breadth" (from Old English "bræde", meaning width or extent). The term "hairsbreadth" refers to a very small distance or margin, as thin as a hair's width.

Memory Tip

Think of the fine strands of 'hair' representing a very small measurement, and 'breadth' indicating width — together, they describe a tiny distance.

Visually Confused Words