Widely
/ˈwaɪdli/
Definitions
To a great extent; over a wide area or among many people.
/ˈwaɪdli/
To a great extent or over a large area.
The movie was praised widely by critics.
💡 Simply: Imagine a big, open field. If something is 'widely' known or used, it's like that field – it covers a lot of ground! For example, if everyone knows your secret, it's 'widely' known.
👶 For kids: Meaning that a lot of people know or do something.
More Examples
The disease spread widely throughout the country.
The book is available widely online.
How It's Used
"The news was reported widely."
"The effects are widely observed in laboratory conditions."
"It is widely accepted that education is important."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From Old English *wīdlīce*, from *wīd* ('wide') + *-līce* ('-ly', manner adverb suffix).
Used since Old English times, evolving from its relation to the word 'wide'. Its usage has consistently described things spread over a broad area or known to many people.
Memory tip
Think of a wide open space - the effect is 'widely' spread.
Word Origin
"In a wide way or to a large extent."