“Broad” vs. “Wide”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “broad” and “wide”

  • While both words describe something that covers a large area or range, "broad" often implies a lack of detail or specificity, while "wide" implies a great amount of space or room to move around.
  • "Broad" is often used when discussing general ideas or concepts, while "wide" is more commonly used when describing physical measurements or distances.
  • Additionally, the term "wide" can suggest a sense of openness or inclusivity, while "broad" can sometimes imply a vagueness or lack of focus.
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What is the definition of “broad” and “wide”?

Broad
  • "Broad" refers to something that has many different aspects or covers a wide range of topics or ideas.
  • It can also describe something that is wide in scope or extent, often used in the context of a general idea or concept.
  • The word "broad" can also imply a lack of specificity or detail in a particular topic or idea.
Wide
  • "Wide" describes something that has a great distance between two opposite points or something that has a large amount of space across.
  • It can also refer to a range of possibilities or choices, often used in the context of a variety of options or alternatives.
  • "Wide" can also imply a sense of inclusivity, encompassing more than just a particular group or individual.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Wide” is the more popular variant on the web.
Broad
1,120,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. She has a broad knowledge of various cuisines around the world.
  2. The company has a broad range of products that cater to different audiences.
  3. The broad spectrum of colors in the sunset was mesmerizing.
More popular
Wide
2,630,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The river was wide enough for boats to sail through comfortably.
  2. He had a wide smile on his face when he saw his surprise party.
  3. The library has a wide selection of books, ranging from classics to bestsellers.
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