What is widely? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of widely

widelyadverb

/ˈwʌɪdli/
Definition & pronunciation of widely

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "widely." It's a tricky one for some learners because of the vowel sound. Here's a breakdown:

1. The Basic Sound:

  • "wid" – This part is fairly straightforward. Think of the word "wide." You'll generally pronounce it like "weed." The "i" sounds like a short "i" as in "bit."
  • "ly" – This is where it gets a little trickier. "ly" almost always makes a consonant sound at the beginning.

2. Putting it Together:

  • "wid-ly" – The key is to pronounce the "ly" as a "d" sound. It's a very subtle sound. It's not like "wid-lee."

3. Phonetic Transcription (for accuracy):

The closest phonetic transcription is: /ˈwɪdli/

Let's break that down:

  • ˈ (Stress mark) – This indicates that the first syllable ("wid") is stressed.
  • wɪ – This represents the sound in "wid." The "i" is a short "i" as in "bit."
  • d – A very short, quick "d" sound.
  • l – A standard "l" sound.
  • ɪ – This represents the sound in "ly." It's a short "i" sound, similar to the "i" in "bit."

4. Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Listen to Native Speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced. Search online for "how to pronounce widely" on YouTube or use a dictionary website like Merriam-Webster or Cambridge Dictionary. They usually have audio examples.
  • Practice slowly: Start by saying "wid" and "ly" separately, then slowly blend them together.
  • Exaggerate slightly: In the beginning, exaggerate the "d" sound at the end of "ly" to help you hear it clearly.
  • Don't say "wid-lee": This is a very common mistake. It's important to keep that "d" sound.

Resources:

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some practice sentences using "widely"?

Usage and examples with the word widely in English

Let's break down how to use the word "widely" in English. It's a versatile word that primarily functions as an adverb, but it can also be used as a noun (though less commonly).

1. As an Adverb (Most Common Use)

"Widely" means "in a wide area," "over a large area," or "to a large extent." It describes the scope or extent of something.

Here's how to use it with different types of verbs and nouns:

  • With Verbs (Describing the Spread of Something):

    • "The news spread widely." (The news became known to many people.)
    • "The disease was widely reported." (Many news outlets covered the disease.)
    • "His ideas were widely accepted." (Many people agreed with his ideas.)
    • "The purple flower was widely planted in gardens." (Purple flowers were commonly grown in gardens.)
    • "The factory is widely known for its quality." (The factory is a well-recognized brand.)

  • With Nouns (Describing the Prevalence of Something):

    • "There is widely believed to be a connection between diet and health." (Many people believe there's a connection.)
    • "The belief in ghosts is widely held." (A large number of people believe in ghosts.)
    • "Many studies have widely demonstrated the benefits of exercise." (Numerous studies have shown the benefits.)
    • "The use of smartphones is widely increasing." (Smartphone use is becoming more common.)

2. As a Noun (Less Common - Refers to a "Wide Range")

"Widely" can occasionally be used as a noun, meaning a "wide range" or "great variety." This usage is less frequent and often sounds a bit formal.

  • "There's a widely held opinion that..." (Meaning: There's a common belief that...)
  • “He has a widely varied musical taste.” (He likes many different kinds of music.)

Key Points & Tips:

  • It modifies verbs and nouns: “Widely” always describes something else – it’s not a standalone word.
  • Think of “scope” or “extent”: When you’re considering how widespread something is, “widely” is a good choice.
  • Synonyms: Words like "extensively," "broadly," "generally," “commonly,” "universally," and "widespread" can often be used interchangeably with “widely,” depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Examples comparing "widely" and synonyms:

  • Widely: "The policy was widely implemented." (Suggests a large number of places adopted it.)
  • Extensively: "The survey was conducted extensively." (Suggests a thorough investigation.)
  • Generally: “Generally, people agree…” (Meaning: Most people agree…)

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

  • What context are you thinking about when you want to use "widely"? (e.g., writing an essay, talking in a conversation, etc.)
  • Can you provide a sentence where you're considering using "widely"?

Synonyms for the word widely

Comment ()