widely

[ wahyd-lee ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of widely¹

First recorded in 1655–65; wide + -ly

Example Sentences

That forum will be more widely watched nationwide, but the stakes were high on Wednesday for Carney's Liberals, which are leading in Quebec where the majority of French-speaking Canadians live.

From BBC

Also, gun registration - similar to car registration – is in place in a few states and could be "really helpful" if adopted more widely, Mr Kullman adds.

From BBC

His claims of a genocide against white farmers have been widely dismissed as false, but they echo those of the tech billionaire.

From BBC

The environmental impact of wildfires can also be felt more widely.

From BBC

Given their tendency to range widely, he said there’s no reason to assume they’ll stay put in far-flung areas.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• broadly
• commonly
• generally
• universally