broad
- 01 B1 Intermediate
adj.very wide from one side to the other.
adj.having a great physical distance from side to side; wide.
Simple“The river is very broad at this point, making it difficult to swim across.”
In context“The hikers paused to admire the broad valley stretching out beneath them, dotted with small farmhouses and winding streams.”
- 02 B1 Intermediate
adj.covering many things or focusing on the main ideas rather than small details.
adj.covering a wide scope or range of subjects; general rather than specific.
Simple“The director gave us a broad outline of the plan for next year.”
In context“The report provides a broad overview of the economic trends affecting the region without delving into specific local data.”
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.a very strong regional way of speaking.
adj.relating to a regional accent that is very noticeable and distinct.
Simple“He spoke with a broad Scottish accent that was sometimes hard to understand.”
In context“Despite living in London for twenty years, she retained a broad Yorkshire accent that immediately identified her origins.”
Synonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.very clear and easy to see or understand.
adj.plain, evident, or lacking in subtlety.
Simple“There was a broad hint of sarcasm in her voice when she thanked him.”
In context“The comedian relied on broad physical humor and exaggerated gestures to keep the young audience entertained.”
- 05 C1 Advanced
n.an old-fashioned and sometimes rude word for a woman.
n.a slang term for a woman, now largely considered dated and potentially offensive.
Simple“In those old black-and-white movies, the characters often used the word broad.”
In context“The script was criticized for its use of the term broad, which many modern viewers find derogatory and sexist.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is dated and often offensive in modern American English; learners should avoid using it.
- 06 C2 Proficiency
n.a type of powerful light used in film or television studios.
n.a type of floodlight used to provide even illumination over a wide area.
Simple“The crew set up a broad to light the background of the scene.”
In context“The cinematographer requested an additional broad to eliminate the harsh shadows cast by the primary key light.”
Synonymsfloodlight
Usage broad daylight · broad agreement · broad approach
“Most belonged to Edmontosaurus annectens , a large plant-eating dinosaur known for its broad, duck-shaped bill.”
“In Fritz Eichenberg’s Heathcliff Under the Tree (1943), Emily Brontë’s antihero leans against a broad tree and faces the sky.”