WordGarden.iobroadly
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /brˈɔːdli/
US
- /ˈbrɔdli/
Meanings
Adverb
in general terms, without focusing on details
widely or across a large range
in a physically wide or open way
Beyond the definition
Imagine painting with a wide brush – you're not focusing on tiny details, but covering large areas with color. That's what "broadly" means! It describes something done or expressed in a general way, without getting into specifics. You might say someone broadly agrees with an idea, meaning they agree with the main point even if they don't accept every detail. Or, a historian might broadly categorize events by century, rather than focusing on specific dates. It's about seeing the big picture, not getting lost in the weeds. Think of it as speaking in generalities – useful for quick summaries or when precise details aren't crucial.
"Broadly" is an adverb that means generally, widely, or in a comprehensive manner. It suggests covering a large scope or range without focusing on minute particulars. It's about taking a wide-angle view rather than zooming in for close-up detail.
You might hear it used to qualify statements that aren't entirely precise but are generally true. For example: "The public broadly supports the new initiative," doesn't mean everyone agrees, but that most people do. Or, "Scientists broadly agree on the causes of climate change," meaning there's a strong consensus despite some ongoing debate about specifics.
"Broadly" can also describe how something is categorized or classified. "The books were broadly divided into fiction and non-fiction," means they were sorted into these two main categories, even if some books could fit into multiple genres.
It's a useful word when you want to make a generalization without implying absolute certainty. It acknowledges that there might be exceptions or nuances but emphasizes the overall trend or pattern. Think of it as sketching an outline rather than completing a detailed portrait – it captures the essence, even if it lacks fine detail. So, next time you're describing something in general terms, remember to reach for "broadly" and paint with that wide brush!
Examples
- 1
Comparison
The two proposals are broadly similar, but one is much cheaper.
- 2
Qualified agreement
I broadly agree with her, although I would handle it differently.
- Phrasebroadly agree
agree on the main points, but not every detail
- 3
Estimates
The final numbers were broadly in line with our earlier estimates.
- Phrasein line with
matching or agreeing with
- 4
General view
Broadly speaking, people want faster service and lower prices.
- Phrasebroadly speaking
in general
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Inclusive definition
In this report, the term "family" is defined broadly, so it includes close friends as well.
- Phrasedefined broadly
understood in a wide, not narrow, way
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- specifically
- in detail
Used with (collocations)
- broadly speaking
- broadly defined
- broadly similar
- broadly agree
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- broadlyadverb