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widely

widely

26 1.0
With a lot of space between things
  • adverb
  • /ˈwaɪdli/
translation icon : muy separados
  • The graves in this part of the cemetery are widely spaced; the views are grand.
  • vary widely
  • widely dispersed
  • widely distributed

And the birds may be quite widely separated, hundreds of yards apart.

Examples

  • And the birds may be quite widely separated, hundreds of yards apart.

  • The benefits of historic preservation or density restrictions are widely distributed throughout the community.

    Academic text (1990)
  • His research turned up at least six groups in widely scattered locations throughout the southern cloud forest.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • At present, the state standards vary widely in their organization, their scope, and their degree of specificity.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Atlanta is one of the most scenic and widely photographed cities in the world.

    Academic text (1993)
  • In practice, the time in Tier 2 interventions varies widely across implementations.

    Academic text (2013)
  • Neither the Renaissance concept nor Constantine VII's role in it is widely accepted today.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The organization's membership embraces more than 100 widely scattered communities located in half a dozen major watersheds.

    Academic text (1999)
  • The pedagogical techniques of Kodaly and Orff are widely used in elementary music programs.

    Academic text (1992)
  • The houses in this neighborhood are widely spaced apart, allowing for large gardens.

Synonyms

far
vswidely
1.0

A long way away in space

describes space between multiple points rather than distance from one point
wide
vswidely
132 1.0

As far apart or open as possible

focuses on space between separate points rather than general extent
far far away
vswidely
  • Literature
15 6.7

In a place you cannot get to easily, often used in stories

means broad separation but not the extreme emphasis or literary sense
distantly
vswidely
9 3.8

From far away in place, time, or family connection

emphasizes separation between objects specifically rather than general remoteness

Antonyms

390 1.0

Very near in place, time, or connection

Compounds

Many people admire a person or organization for good work and honest behaviour

Found in many parts of the world

Many people say good things about it

How Far

distant
246 2.8
widely
26 1.0
closely
390 1.0

Surface Forms

widely positive
wider comparative
widest superlative

Morphology

widely = wide (transparent) = wide + ly

Direct adverbial derivation from 'wide' yielding a literal spatial sense ('far apart'); meaning is predictable.

Etymology

The word widely comes from the old English root wīd meaning 'broad' or 'spacious', like in wide and width. So if things are 'widely' separated, they have a large space or distance between them.