Sweepingness

Sweepingness refers to the breadth, scope, or comprehensiveness of something, often encompassing a vast area, subject, or time period. It implies a lack of focus on small details, prioritizing the overall picture or grand narrative. It often suggests a far-reaching influence or impact. This characteristic can apply to a range of contexts, including historical analyses, artistic portrayals, political strategies, or natural events. It often emphasizes a high degree of generality or abstraction, foregoing specific examples for the sake of encompassing the whole.

Sweepingness meaning with examples

• The historian's book was praised for its sweepingness, providing a comprehensive overview of European history from the Renaissance to the present day. It covered political, social, and cultural developments, leaving little unturned in its quest to portray the grand narrative of civilization.
• The artist's landscape paintings are admired for their sweepingness. They capture the vastness of the horizon and convey a sense of boundless space, representing a view not of precise objects but the spirit of a wide open vista.
• The politician's campaign promise of a 'sweeping' healthcare reform aimed to transform the entire system, addressing all aspects of the patient experience in the US, but faced heavy criticism for the lack of detail.
• The storm's sweepingness brought the powerlines down across the entire island. Destroying buildings and causing massive disruptions, it affected everything across an enormous area.