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broadly

broadly

73 3.5
In a general way without considering small details
  • adverb
  • /ˈbrɔːdli/
translation icon : en términos generales
  • So first, let's look broadly at the types of conditions from which people die.
  • broadly speaking
  • more broadly
  • broadly defined

And we need to grow more trees so we know broadly what to do.

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Examples

  • Specifically, families and the community should broadly share the responsibility for student success.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Does this seem to be broadly the right model overall?

  • So these these might be shared more broadly come the fall as well.

  • Well, if you have an audience and you want to reach people broadly, it's a factor for us.

  • Our research is situated in a region that can broadly be defined as the Balkans.

    Academic text (2017)
  • Broadly speaking, the story of Horus is as follows:

  • Well, broadly, yes.

  • Finally, some recent literature inquires more broadly into the concepts of record quality and quality measurement.

    Academic text (2013)
  • Now, the Bible reflects, broadly speaking, a symbolic movement through 3 ages, while foreshadowing a 4th.

  • Broadly speaking, the new policies aim to improve education for all students.

Synonyms

generally
vsbroadly
1.0

Usually or in most cases

focuses on generality without implying frequency or usualness
typically
vsbroadly
426 2.2

In the usual way for a person, thing, or group

is broader, not tied to what is typical of a specific case
in general
vsbroadly
219 1.6

Says something is true most of the time, not about small details

is the same general idea but phrased more compactly
by and large
vsbroadly
89 3.4

To say that something is true in most cases

is a neutral general statement rather than a colloquial summary
loosely
vsbroadly
43 3.7

In a way that is not exact or strict

is more about generality without implying looseness or inaccuracy
generically
vsbroadly
3 4.2

In a general way without giving specific details

shares general focus but is the usual adverbial form for generality
broadly speaking
vsbroadly
1 3.7

To say something is true in general

expresses generality directly rather than as a spoken qualification
sweepingly
vsbroadly
1 7.4

In a broad way that affects many people or things

is milder, giving general view without sweeping emphasis
standardly
vsbroadly
1 4.1

In the usual or accepted way

expresses generality without referring to conformity or standard practice
in a broad way
vsbroadly
4.2

In a general way without details

is the concise general manner without extra phrasing or emphasis
nonspecifically
vsbroadly
7.2

In a general way not aimed at a single thing

is the straightforward general description rather than categorical vagueness

Antonyms

950 3.2

Shows one particular thing in a clear, exact way

68 4.1

In a strict, limited way that allows few exceptions

Idioms

To say something is true in general

How General

broadly
73 3.5
generally
1.0
loosely
43 3.7
roughly
373 1.6
specifically
950 3.2

Surface Forms

broadly positive

Morphology

broadly = broad (transparent) = broad + ly

The sense 'in a general way' is a common, slightly metaphorical extension of 'broad', but remains predictable from the adjective plus '-ly'.

Etymology

Broadly comes from broad meaning 'wide', and it came to be used for ideas that cover many things at once. So when you say something broadly, you mean it 'in a general way' or without small details.