Depth vs. Width: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 7, 2023
Depth pertains to the distance from the top down to the bottom or how deep something is, whereas width refers to the measurement from side to side, determining how wide something is.
Key Differences
Depth is typically a measurement that conveys how far down something goes. The word "depth" conveys the extent of something from the surface downward into space, whether it is water, earth, or another substance. Conversely, Width speaks to the measure across an object, normally from one side to the other.
Considering the nuances of "depth", the term often carries a metaphorical implication as well. For instance, it can suggest the profundity of a topic or concept, implying a deep, thoughtful examination or intense degree. On the other hand, "width" predominantly maintains its literal spatial meaning and is seldom used metaphorically.
When discussing the physical dimensions of an object, "depth" refers to the distance from the front to the back. It describes the third dimension of an object, provided its length and width are already defined. In a contrasting manner, the term "width" lacks these additional connotations and strictly relates to broadness or wideness, serving as a more straightforward term in measurement contexts.
It’s pertinent to note that "depth" can be used in various contexts, such as emotional ("depth of feeling"), intellectual ("depth of knowledge"), or even in an abstract sense ("depth of field" in photography). In contrast, “width” is majorly associated with more tangible, physical dimensions, not often applied to abstract or emotional contexts.
Lastly, "depth" might appear in conversations about emotional intelligence, exploring themes, or probing into a subject, due to its association with a certain intensity or profundity. Meanwhile, "width" is mostly bound to discussing physical dimensions and seldom escapes this boundary to contribute to abstract or emotional discussions.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Distance from the top or surface down to the bottom.
Measurement from one side to the other.
Typical Usage
Often used both literally and metaphorically.
Predominantly used in a literal sense.
Contextual Application
Applied in emotional or conceptual contexts.
Seldom used outside physical contexts.
Measurement
Pertains to an object's third dimension.
Relates to how wide an object is.
Metaphorical Usage
Frequently used to depict profundity or intensity.
Rarely employed metaphorically.
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Depth and Width Definitions
Depth
The lowest point of a thing.
The boat sank to the depth of the sea.
Width
The extent of something from one side to the other.
The bridge’s width allows only one car to pass at a time.
Depth
The intensity of a color or sound.
The depth of the blue sky was mesmerizing.
Width
The measurement or extent from side to side.
The width of the fabric was insufficient for the dress.
Depth
The condition or quality of being deep.
Width
The extent of a shape or object from one side to the other.
He measured the width of the desk to place his computer.
Depth
The extent, measurement, or dimension downward, backward, or inward
Dove to a depth of 30 feet.
Shelves with enough depth to store the large boxes.
Width
A particular extent of something from side to side.
The width of a hair strand is microscopic.
Depth
The measurement or sense of distance from an observation point, such as linear perspective in painting.
Width
The state, quality, or fact of being wide.
Depth
Often depths A deep part or place
The ocean depths.
In the depths of the forest.
Width
Abbr. w The measurement of the extent of something from side to side.
Depth
The most profound or intense part or stage
The depth of despair.
An experience that touched the depths of tragedy.
Width
A piece of material measured along its smaller dimension or its crosswise grain, especially a piece of fabric measured from selvage to selvage.
Depth
Intensity; force
Had not realized the depth of their feelings for one another.
Width
The state of being wide.
Depth
The severest or worst part
In the depth of an economic depression.
Width
The measurement of the extent of something from side to side.
Depth
A low point, level, or degree
Production has fallen to new depths.
Width
A piece of material measured along its smaller dimension, especially fabric.
Depth
Intellectual complexity or penetration; profundity
A novel of great depth.
Width
(cricket) The horizontal distance between a batsman and the ball as it passes him.
Depth
The range of one's understanding or competence
I am out of my depth when it comes to cooking.
Width
(sports) The use of all the width of the pitch, from one side to the other.
Manchester United like to play with width.
Depth
Strength held in reserve, especially a supply of skilled or capable replacements
A team with depth at every position.
Width
The quality of being wide; extent from side to side; breadth; wideness; as, the width of cloth; the width of a door.
Depth
The degree of richness or intensity
Depth of color.
Width
The extent of something from side to side
Depth
Lowness in pitch.
Width
The horizontal measurement of an object.
The width of the TV screen affects the viewing experience.
Depth
Complete detail; thoroughness
The depth of her research.
An interview conducted in great depth.
Depth
The vertical distance below a surface; the degree to which something is deep
Measure the depth of the water in this part of the bay.
Depth
The distance between the front and the back, as the depth of a drawer or closet
Depth
(figuratively) the intensity, complexity, strength, seriousness or importance of an emotion, situation, etc.
The depth of her misery was apparent to everyone.
The depth of the crisis had been exaggerated.
We were impressed by the depth of her knowledge.
Depth
Lowness
The depth of a sound
Depth
The total palette of available colors
Depth
The property of appearing three-dimensional
The depth of field in this picture is amazing.
Depth
The deepest part usually of a body of water
The burning ship finally sunk into the depths.
Depth
A very remote part.
Into the depths of the jungle...
In the depths of the night,
Depth
The most severe part
In the depth of the crisis
In the depths of winter
Depth
(logic) the number of simple elements which an abstract conception or notion includes; the comprehension or content
Depth
(horology) a pair of toothed wheels which work together
Depth
(aeronautics) the perpendicular distance from the chord to the farthest point of an arched surface
Depth
(statistics) the lower of the two ranks of a value in an ordered set of values
Depth
The quality of being deep; deepness; perpendicular measurement downward from the surface, or horizontal measurement backward from the front; as, the depth of a river; the depth of a body of troops.
Depth
Profoundness; extent or degree of intensity; abundance; completeness; as, depth of knowledge, or color.
Mindful of that heavenly loveWhich knows no end in depth or height.
Depth
Lowness; as, depth of sound.
Depth
That which is deep; a deep, or the deepest, part or place; the deep; the middle part; as, the depth of night, or of winter.
From you unclouded depth above.
The depth closed me round about.
Depth
The number of simple elements which an abstract conception or notion includes; the comprehension or content.
Depth
A pair of toothed wheels which work together.
Depth
The perpendicular distance from the chord to the farthest point of an arched surface.
Depth
The maximum number of times a type of procedure is reiteratively called before the last call is exited; - of subroutines or procedures which are reentrant; - used of call stacks.
Depth
Extent downward or backward or inward;
The depth of the water
Depth of a shelf
Depth of a closet
Depth
Degree of psychological or intellectual depth
Depth
(usually plural) the deepest and most remote part;
From the depths of darkest Africa
Signals received from the depths of space
Depth
(usually plural) a low moral state;
He had sunk to the depths of addiction
Depth
The intellectual ability to penetrate deeply into ideas
Depth
The distance from the top or surface to the bottom.
The depth of the swimming pool was 12 feet.
Depth
The quality of being intense or extreme.
The depth of her sorrow was palpable.
Depth
Complexity and profundity of thought.
His poetry has a remarkable depth.
FAQs
Can "depth" be used metaphorically?
Yes, it can refer to the intensity or complexity of an emotion, experience, or situation, e.g., "depth of feeling."
What's the opposite of "depth"?
The opposite of "depth" in terms of measurement could be "height" or "surface."
How is "depth" used in photography?
In photography, "depth of field" refers to the range in an image that appears in focus.
What does "depth" mean?
"Depth" refers to the distance from the top to the bottom of something or the quality of being deep.
How is "depth" used in psychology?
"Depth psychology" refers to approaches that explore the deeper, unconscious aspects of the mind.
Is "depth" a noun or a verb?
"Depth" is a noun.
How is "width" related to "broad"?
"Broad" is an adjective that can describe something as having considerable width.
Is "width" a noun or a verb?
"Width" is a noun.
What's the opposite of "width"?
The opposite could be "narrowness" in terms of measurement.
What's the adjective form of "width"?
The adjective form is "wide."
Are "width" and "thickness" the same?
No, "width" is side-to-side measurement, while "thickness" is the measurement from the top surface to the bottom.
Is "depths" the correct plural form?
Yes, "depths" is the plural form, often used to refer to profound or deep parts or points, like "the depths of the ocean."
What's the adjective form of "depth"?
The adjective form is "deep."
How is "width" used in digital media?
In digital media, "width" often refers to the horizontal dimension of an image, screen, or layout.
What is "depth perception"?
It's the ability to judge the distance of objects and the spatial relationship between them.
What does "width" mean?
"Width" refers to the measurement or extent of something from side to side.
Can "width" be used metaphorically?
Yes, it can signify a range or extent, e.g., "width of experience."
Can "width" be used in fashion?
Yes, terms like "waist width" or "shoulder width" refer to measurements or dimensions of clothing or body parts.
Can "depth" be used in sports terminology?
Yes, especially in team sports, "depth" refers to the quality and quantity of substitutes or backup players.
Are "width" and "breadth" the same?
They're similar, both referring to a measurement from side to side, but "breadth" can also imply a wide range or scope.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
