widely
gb/wˈaɪdli/ us/wˈaɪdli/
A2
English
~ 1700
széles körben, sokfelé, szélesen, szélesre, tágra
B1
1
sokfelé
B1
Usage pattern:
[verb] widely [past participle/adjective]
The book was widely read across the country.
A könyvet országszerte széles körben olvasták.
That theory is widely accepted among scientists.
Ezt az elméletet a tudósok széles körben elfogadják.
Her work is widely recognized for its impact.
The product is widely available in stores.
The news was widely reported in the media.
Learner examples
English is widely spoken in the world.
Az angolt széles körben beszélik a világon.
This idea is widely known.
Ez az elképzelés széles körben ismert.
The movie is widely popular.
The phone is widely used.
The story was widely told.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'widely' with 'wildly'. 'Widely' means 'in many places' or 'by many people', while 'wildly' means 'in an uncontrolled or extreme way'.
Meaning
over a large area or range
Collocations
widely used
|widely known
|widely available
|widely accepted
|widely spread
Synonyms
extensively (More formal; often used in academic or technical contexts.)
Antonyms
narrowly (Indicates a small scope or limited range instead of a broad one.)
Themes
communication
|geography
|society
|core_vocabulary
Definition
In many places or by many people.
Over a large area, among many people, or in many places.
A2
2
Usage pattern:
[verb] [something] widely
She smiled widely when she saw him.
Szélesen mosolygott, amikor meglátta őt.
He opened his arms widely to welcome the guests.
Szélesre tárta a karját, hogy üdvözölje a vendégeket.
The door was left widely ajar.
They spread the map widely on the table.
Her eyes opened widely in surprise.
Learner examples
She smiled widely at me.
Szélesen rám mosolygott.
He opened the box widely.
Szélesre nyitotta a dobozt.
The door was open widely.
She spread her arms widely.
His eyes opened widely.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'widely' with 'wide'. 'Wide' is an adjective ('a wide road'), while 'widely' is an adverb ('smiled widely').
Meaning
with great width or openness
Collocations
smile widely
|open widely
|spread widely
Synonyms
broadly (Often used for smiles or gestures; slightly more informal in some uses.)
Antonyms
narrowly (Indicates a small opening or limited width.)
Themes
movement
|description
|core_vocabulary
Definition
With something opened far or spread apart.
With a large distance from side to side; fully open or spread apart.
Grammar
Dictionary form
widely
IPA
GB/wˈaɪdli/
US/wˈaɪdli/
Syllables & stress
widely (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (widely)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: widely
- Plural: widelies
Word family
Expressions
widely recognized as
1/wˈaɪdli ɹˈɛkəɡnˌaɪzd ˈæz/
fixed phrase
acknowledged by many to be
Many people know and accept that this person or thing is something.
Examples
- The park is widely recognized as a national treasure.
- He is widely recognized as an expert in his field.
widely regarded as
1/wˈaɪdli ɹɪɡˈɑɹdɪd ˈæz/
fixed phrase
considered by many to be
Many people think this person or thing has a certain quality.
Examples
- She is widely regarded as the best player on the team.
- This film is widely regarded as a classic.
widely used
1/wˈaɪdli jˈust/
fixed phrase
used by many people or places
Used by many people or in many places.
Examples
- This software is widely used in schools.
- The method is widely used in scientific research.