Broad
Part of Speech
Adjective, Verb
Definitions
- Adjective: Having a great extent from side to side; wide.
- Adjective: Extensive in range or scope.
- Verb: To make something wider.
Usage Examples
- "The river was broad and flowed swiftly through the valley."
- "She has a broad knowledge of history and culture."
- "They broadened the road to allow for more traffic."
Etymology
The word "broad" originates from Old English "brād," meaning wide, spacious, or expansive. The term has its roots in Proto-Germanic *braidaz, which is related to the Proto-Indo-European root *bher-, meaning to carry or to bring together. It has been used in English since the 9th century to describe wide or expansive things.
Synonyms
- Wide
- Expansive
- Vast
- Extensive
- Spacious
Antonyms
- Narrow
- Limited
- Constrained
Translations
| Language |
Translation |
Pronunciation |
| Spanish |
Ancho |
/ˈan.tʃo/ |
| French |
Large |
/laʁʒ/ |
| German |
Breit |
/bʁaɪ̯t/ |
| Italian |
Largo |
/ˈlarɡo/ |
| Portuguese |
Largo |
/ˈlaɾɡu/ |
| Russian |
Широкий (Shirokiy) |
/ʃɪˈroʊ.kij/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) |
宽 (Kuān) |
/kʷan/ |
| Arabic |
عريض (Areez) |
/ʕaˈriːd/ |
| Hindi |
चौड़ा (Chaudā) |
/tʃaʊˈɾaː/ |
| Bengali |
প্রশস্ত (Proshoshto) |
/proʃoʃʈo/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
In some regional accents of English, particularly in the United States, "broad" may be pronounced with a stronger "r" sound, as in /brɔːd/ versus /brɒd/ in British English. Some dialects may also stress the second syllable, although this is less common.
Historical Usage
The term "broad" has been used in various contexts since its earliest known use in Old English. Initially referring to the physical width of objects or areas, it soon expanded metaphorically to describe a range of non-physical attributes, such as knowledge and influence. The term has been used in the figurative sense of "expansive" or "inclusive" since the 16th century.
Cultural Nuances
In modern English, "broad" can be used to describe both physical space (e.g., a "broad river") and abstract qualities (e.g., "broad knowledge"). In some cultural contexts, it can also carry a connotation of inclusivity or openness. For example, in the context of education or knowledge, "broad" might imply a wide-ranging understanding or a diversity of perspectives. Additionally, in informal American English, "broad" has historically been used as slang for a woman, though this usage is now considered outdated and offensive.
More Information
The adjective "broad" is widely used across many contexts to denote something wide, expansive, or inclusive. Whether describing physical spaces, such as streets or rivers, or more abstract concepts like knowledge, culture, or experience, "broad" is a versatile term. It is often employed to emphasize the scale, depth, or variety of the subject being discussed. As a verb, it is also used to describe the act of making something more expansive or open. Understanding "broad" in both literal and metaphorical contexts can enhance one's ability to communicate complex ideas about size, scope, and inclusivity.