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.

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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

Researchers adapted a technique widely used to study heat and human health to establish the first "statistically validated association between ambient temperature and koala mortality", the study said.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

While gold is widely viewed as a hedge against inflation, higher borrowing costs tend to weigh on the non-yielding metal.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

It comes as the prime minister is under severe pressure, following a disastrous set of election results earlier this month and five ministerial resignations, with a leadership challenge widely expected.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

The states have not indicated whether they plan to go to court to block Paramount’s takeover of Warner, but Bonta has said Ellison’s proposed consolidation, which is widely expected to lead to layoffs, is problematic.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

Charges against Oldham's imperious rule ranged widely, from unfair administrative procedures to threats and intimidation.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

• broadly
• commonly
• generally
• universally