Broadened
/ˈbrɔːdn̩d/
verbBeginner📊CommonGeneral
1 meaning1 question
Definitions
1
To increase in width, scope, or range.
/ˈbrɔːdn̩d/
verbneutralBeginner
General
To become or make wider, larger, or more extensive.
The river broadened as it approached the sea.
💡 Simply: To make something bigger or wider.
More Examples
2
Her knowledge broadened considerably after years of study.
How It's Used
General
"His experiences broadened his perspective on life."
Education
"The curriculum was broadened to include more diverse subjects."
Past participle of 'broaden,' from Old English *brōdian, meaning 'to make broad.' The word's development reflects the consistent association with widening or expanding.
The word 'broaden' and its past participle have been consistently used since Old English, maintaining its core meaning of widening or expanding.
Memory tip
Think of broadening a road – making it wider.
Word Origin
LanguageOld English
Original meaning
"to make broad"
broadened horizonsbroadened perspectivebroadened understanding
Common misspellings
brodenedbroadend
Practice
Usage
40%Spoken
60%Written