WordGarden.iobroad
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /brˈɔːd/
US
- /ˈbrɔd/
Meanings
Adjective
wide from side to side
covering a wide range or many things
general rather than detailed
More meaningsFewer meanings
strongly marked, especially of an accent
coarse or obvious rather than subtle, especially in humor
Noun
an offensive slang term for a woman
Beyond the definition
Imagine standing before a vast ocean or a horizon that stretches as far as the eye can see—that is the essence of broad. At its simplest, the word describes something wide in range, scope, or physical extent. A broad street is noticeably wider than a side alley, and a broad subject like "history" covers a massive landscape of events and eras. You might describe someone with broad interests as having a wide variety of hobbies and passions.
It can also imply a lack of fine detail. A broad generalization focuses on the big picture but often misses the nuances—it's the opposite of being specific or narrow. For instance, a comedian might use broad humor, relying on obvious, slapstick jokes that appeal to a wide audience rather than subtle wit. Similarly, a politician might offer broad promises during a campaign, hoping to capture as many voters as possible without getting bogged down in the complicated details of policy.
The word "broad" carries a surprising amount of versatility, transitioning seamlessly from physical dimensions to abstract concepts. Primarily, it signifies width: "a broad river" or "broad shoulders." Metaphorically, having broad shoulders suggests a capacity to carry heavy responsibilities.
As we move into the realm of scope, a broad topic encompasses a large range of subjects—think "global economics" versus "local tax codes." A broad understanding suggests a general grasp of many facets of a subject, rather than deep, specialized expertise in just one. In terms of clarity, "broad daylight" refers to the full, clear light of day where nothing is hidden, while a "broad hint" is one so obvious that it cannot be missed.
Interestingly, broad can also characterize speech and social labels. A broad accent is one that is very pronounced and easily identifiable, often associated with a specific region. You should also be aware of its history as a slang term for a woman; while common in mid-20th-century hardboiled fiction, it is now considered outdated, reductive, and often offensive.
Whether you are describing the physical expanse of an avenue, the sweeping scope of a person's knowledge, or the general nature of a statement, "broad" signifies something expansive and encompassing. Just remember that because it covers so much ground, it often trades specific detail for wider reach.
Examples
- 1
Wide street
They walked down a broad street near the river.
- 2
Body shape
He has broad shoulders from years of swimming.
- 3
Facial expression
She gave me a broad smile when I opened the door.
- 4
Variety
The website offers a broad range of practice activities.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
General summary
The report gives a broad overview of the problem.
- Phrasea broad overview
a general description, not a detailed one
- 6
Public support
There is broad support for the new safety rules.
- Phrasebroad support
support from many people
- 7
Regional accent
He speaks English with a broad Scottish accent.
- Phrasea broad accent
a very strong regional accent
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- broadnounadjective
Forms
- broadercomparativeadjectivenoun
- broadestsuperlativeadjectivenoun
- broadspluralnounadjective