Word
broadly
Phoneticsbroad·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbɹɔdɫi/
UK/bɹˈɔːdli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01generally speaking
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. used to say that something is true in a general way, without looking at small details.
adv. in a general or non-specific sense; used to indicate that a statement is true in most cases or in its main aspects.
“Broadly speaking, the new law has been popular with the public.”
“Broadly defined, the term encompasses a wide range of artistic practices that emerged during the late twentieth century.”
Usage
often used at the start of a sentence to introduce a generalisation.
Antonyms
02widely or openly
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. in a way that is wide, open, or very clear.
adv. in a wide or open manner; frequently used to describe facial expressions or physical distribution.
“He smiled broadly when he saw his old friend at the airport.”
“The candidate grinned broadly at the cameras, projecting an image of confidence despite the narrow margin of her victory.”
Usage
commonly collocates with verbs like 'smile' or 'grin'.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “broadly” in context.
Verb
01. broadly apply
“These new safety regulations broadly apply to all manufacturing sectors in the country.”
adv + verb
02. broadly define
“The term 'sustainability' is broadly defined to include social, economic, and environmental factors.”
adv + verb
03. broadly speak
“Broadly speaking, the project was a success despite some minor technical issues.”
adv + verb
Adjective
04. broadly consistent
“The results of the second experiment are broadly consistent with our initial findings.”
adv + adj
Real-World Examples
“The ability to make choices at 16 about what to study is broadly welcomed.” “Scientists broadly agree that vaccines were key to this improvement.” “So the decline in reading poses a real challenge for me and my students, on a personal level, but also for American higher education more broadly.” “More broadly, researchers are still working to fully understand how different forms of alpha-synuclein drive neurodegeneration and disease spread.” Etymology
From broad + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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