General spread:
* étaler: This is the most common and versatile word for "spread". It can be used for spreading butter on bread, spreading rumors, or spreading out a blanket.
* répandre: This word is more formal and often used for things that spread widely, like spreading a disease or spreading information.
Specific spreads:
* tartine: This refers specifically to a spread of butter, jam, or other toppings on bread.
* garniture: This word is used for a spread of food or decorations, like on a table or a plate.
* propagation: This is used for the spreading of plants or ideas.
Here are some examples:
* Étaler du beurre sur du pain: To spread butter on bread.
* Les rumeurs se sont répandues rapidement: The rumors spread quickly.
* Étalez une couverture sur le sol: Spread a blanket on the ground.
* La maladie s'est répandue dans toute la ville: The disease spread throughout the city.
* J'aime les tartines au Nutella: I like Nutella spreads on bread.
* La table était magnifiquement garnie: The table was beautifully spread with food.
* La propagation de l'herbe à poux est un problème sérieux: The spread of ragweed is a serious problem.
Choose the appropriate word based on the specific context of your sentence.