What is broadly? Pronunciation and usage in English

broadly means . Learn how to pronounce and use broadly through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of broadly

broadlyadverb

/ˈbrɔːdli/
Definition & pronunciation of broadly

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "broadly." It can be tricky for some English learners! Here's a detailed breakdown:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

  • bro - This is quite straightforward. Think of the word "brother."
  • adly - This is where the challenge lies.

2. Pronunciation of "adly":

  • "ad" - Pronounce this like the word "add." It's a short "a" sound, as in "apple."
  • "ly" - This is a common suffix in English. It's pronounced exactly as it looks: "lee."

3. Putting it Together:

So, "broadly" is pronounced: "BROAD-lee"

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the sounds:

  • B - As you'd expect, a hard "b" sound.
  • R - A light, quick "r" sound (like in "red"). Don’t roll your tongue!
  • O - Say the “o” as in “boat”
  • A - Short “a” as in "add"
  • D - Like the letter “d”
  • L - As in “light”
  • Y - As in “yes”

Resources to help you hear it:

Tips for Practice:

  • Slow it down: Start by saying each syllable separately ("BROAD," "lee") before combining them.
  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to the audio examples.
  • Focus on the "ad" sound: That's the trickiest part for many.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you some example sentences using "broadly"?
  • Focus on a specific part of the pronunciation you're struggling with?

Usage and examples with the word broadly in English

Let's break down how to use the word "broadly" effectively in English. It's a slightly more formal word than "generally" and adds a nuance of scope and inclusiveness.

1. Core Meaning:

  • Generally speaking: This is the most common and straightforward use. "Broadly" means "in a general or wide sense." It suggests considering something from a large perspective, not getting bogged down in specific details.

2. How to Use It – Examples:

  • Describing categories or types:

    • "Broadly speaking, the internet has connected people around the world." (Instead of: “Generally speaking…”)
    • "Broadly, these theories relate to the human experience of grief." (Suggests a wide range of theories are involved.)
    • "Broadly speaking, the company's profits increased last quarter." (A general observation about the overall financial performance.)

  • Acknowledging diverse viewpoints:

    • "Broadly speaking, the audience seemed to enjoy the performance." (Recognizes that not everyone might have loved it, but most likely did.)
    • "Broadly, there's a consensus that climate change is a serious issue." (Acknowledges that not everyone agrees perfectly, but the majority feels this way.)

  • Introducing a wide-ranging topic:

    • "Broadly, this research explores the impact of social media on teenage mental health." (Sets the stage for a conversation about many different aspects of that impact.)

  • Offering a preliminary assessment:

    • “Broadly, the evidence suggests a link between exercise and improved mood.” (This is an initial, not a definitive, conclusion.)

3. Important Nuances & Considerations:

  • More formal than "generally": "Broadly" is often a more sophisticated choice of words and is typically found in academic writing, formal speeches, or when you want to sound more precise.

  • Avoid excessive qualification: Don’t overuse “broadly.” It’s best used when truly reflecting a wide range of factors or perspectives.

  • Follow with specifics: After using "broadly," often it's helpful to then give more specific details or examples to support your general statement.

4. Contrast with Other Words:

  • Generally: A simpler, more common alternative for "in general."
  • Typically: Suggests something happens most of the time.
  • Usually: Similar to "typically," indicating a common occurrence.
  • In general: Similar to “broadly,” but slightly less formal.

5. Example Sentences Demonstrating the Difference:

  • Broadly: "Broadly speaking, the economy is showing signs of recovery."
  • Generally: "Generally, people like pizza."
  • Typically: "Typically, rain falls in the evening."
  • Usually: "Usually, she arrives on time."

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you working on? (e.g., academic essay, business report, creative writing, casual conversation?)
  • Can you provide a sentence where you’re thinking of using “broadly”? I can then show you how to revise it and explain why it works.

Synonyms for the word broadly

Practice with vocabulary broadly

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The research findings were __________ accepted by the scientific community.
  2. The manager outlined the project goals __________ to ensure everyone understood the scope.
  3. The speaker explained the concept __________, leaving no room for ambiguity.
  4. The new policy was __________ implemented across all departments without any issues.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The study's conclusions were __________ supported by the evidence.
    a) broadly
    b) narrowly
    c) tightly
    d) vaguely

  2. Her interpretation of the data was __________ accurate.
    a) generally
    b) broadly
    c) precisely
    d) rarely

  3. The company's vision is __________ aligned with industry trends.
    a) broadly
    b) loosely
    c) closely
    d) rarely

  4. The report was written in a __________ manner, making it hard to follow.
    a) clearly
    b) broadly
    c) confusingly
    d) directly

  5. The team discussed the issue __________ to explore all possible solutions.
    a) briefly
    b) broadly
    c) deeply
    d) vaguely

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The professor explained the topic very generally to the students.
  2. The company’s new strategy was applied across many departments.
  3. The survey results were widely interpreted by the research team.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. broadly
  2. clearly
  3. precisely
  4. smoothly

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) broadly
  2. a) generally / b) broadly
  3. a) broadly
  4. c) confusingly
  5. b) broadly / c) deeply

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The professor explained the topic broadly to the students.
  2. The company’s new strategy was broadly applied across many departments.
  3. The survey results were generally interpreted by the research team.

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