broad
gb/bɹˈɔd/ us/bɹˈɔd/
A2
English
~ 1500
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
Wide from side to side
Wide; having a lot of space from side to side.
Usage pattern:
[something] is broad
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'broad' with 'big'; 'broad' refers specifically to width, not overall size.
Synonyms
wide (Most common synonym; interchangeable in most contexts but 'broad' can suggest expansiveness or generality.)
Antonyms
narrow (Describes something small in width, opposite of broad in this sense.)
Collocations
broad shoulders
|broad street
|broad river
|broad smile
|broad range
Themes
measurement
|description
|geography
|core_vocabulary
|space
Examples
- The river was broad and calm.
- She has broad shoulders from years of swimming.
- A broad avenue leads to the central square.
- His broad smile lit up the room.
- We walked along the broad beach at sunset.
Learner examples
- The road is broad.
- He has broad shoulders.
- This river is very broad.
- We walked on a broad street.
- The park has a broad field.
adjective
B1
property
2
Covering many things or areas
Including many things; not limited or detailed.
Usage pattern:
a broad [range/selection/category] of [things]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'broad' with 'general'; while related, 'broad' often emphasizes extent more than vagueness.
Synonyms
wide-ranging (Emphasizes diversity and extent rather than physical width.)
Antonyms
narrow (In this context, means limited in scope or range.)
Collocations
broad range
|broad spectrum
|broad knowledge
|broad experience
Themes
education
|description
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The course offers a broad overview of modern history.
- She has a broad knowledge of literature.
- The policy covers a broad spectrum of issues.
- We discussed the topic in broad terms.
- The museum has a broad collection of art.
Learner examples
- He has a broad knowledge of music.
- The shop sells a broad range of clothes.
- We had a broad discussion about work.
- This book gives a broad view of history.
- They have a broad choice of food.
adjective
B2
property
3
Clear and easy to notice
Easy to see or understand; not hidden.
Usage pattern:
a broad [smile/accent/hint]
Common mistake:
Learners may misunderstand 'broad accent' as meaning 'correct' or 'standard', when it actually means strong and noticeable regional pronunciation.
Synonyms
obvious (More direct; 'broad' can be slightly softer or more descriptive.)
Antonyms
subtle (Opposite in being delicate or hard to notice.)
Collocations
broad accent
|broad smile
|broad hint
Themes
communication
|description
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He gave her a broad wink across the table.
- Her broad accent revealed where she was from.
- They dropped a broad hint about wanting an invitation.
- His broad smile suggested he was very pleased.
Learner examples
- She has a broad smile.
- He gave me a broad wink.
- I heard her broad accent.
- He made a broad hint about dinner.
Noun
informal
B2
entity
4
Woman (informal, dated slang)
An informal word for a woman, sometimes rude.
Common mistake:
Learners may use this word in polite conversation without realizing it can sound rude or outdated.
Synonyms
woman (Neutral term; 'broad' is informal and can be disrespectful.)
Collocations
tough broad
|classy broad
Themes
people
|slang
|relationships
|communication
Examples
- He's dating a tough old broad from the Bronx.
- The movie features a wisecracking broad who runs the diner.
- Some people find the term 'broad' offensive when used for women.
Learner examples
- She is a smart broad.
- He met a nice broad at the party.
- That broad is very funny.
Grammar
Dictionary form
broad
IPA
GB/bɹˈɔd/
US/bɹˈɔd/
Syllables & stress
broad (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (broad)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: broad
- Comparative: broader
- Superlative: broadest
Noun
- Base: broad
- Plural: broads
Word family
Expressions
a broad church
1/ə bɹˈɔd t͡ʃˈɚt͡ʃ/
fixed phrase
Group with varied beliefs or members
A group that has many different kinds of people or ideas in it.
Examples
- The party is a broad church, welcoming members with different views.
- Our club is a broad church with all sorts of personalities.
broad strokes
1/bɹˈɔd stɹˈoʊks/
fixed phrase
General terms without details
Speaking in a general way without small details.
Examples
- In broad strokes, the plan is to expand overseas next year.
- She explained the project in broad strokes before going into specifics.
in broad daylight
1/ˈɪn bɹˈɔd dˈeɪlˌaɪt/
fixed phrase
During the day, openly visible
When it is light outside and easy to see everything.
Examples
- The robbery happened in broad daylight on a busy street.
- They kissed in broad daylight without caring who saw.
- She was attacked in broad daylight near her home.