widely

American  

[wahyd-lee] / ˈwaɪd li /

adverb

1. to a wide extent.

2. over a wide space or area.

   a widely distributed plant.

3. by or among a large number of persons.

   a widely known artist.

4. in many or various subjects, cases, etc..

   to be widely read.

5. greatly, very much, or very.

   widely differing accounts of an event.

---

Etymology

Origin of widely

First recorded in 1655–65; wide + -ly

Explanation

The adverb widely is good for describing something that happens over a broad area or in a big way. If it is widely believed that the stock market will crash, then you better sell, sell, sell. If the houses in your neighborhood vary widely, there is an enormous amount of difference between each house — a tiny bungalow next door to a huge mansion, for example. Likewise, when you smile widely at a cute little kid, it's a big smile. The adverb widely comes from the adjective wide, or broad, from an Old English root word, wīd, "spacious or extensive."

Example Sentences

It became one of the mission’s most widely shared images online.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

The discovery points to zeaxanthin as a simple, widely available supplement that could improve how well cancer immunotherapies work.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

But there is now a group of patients who feel these widely used, safe and effective creams do not work for them.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Based in L.A. at the time, Emek was widely recognized for his blend of organic and industrial elements, establishing himself as a prolific concert poster artist.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

And then he yawned so widely that he almost fell over.

From "Tiger Boy" by Mitali Perkins

Related Words

• broadly
• commonly
• generally
• universally