Signification
Considering the general meaning
Contexte culturel
Russian scholars love to start a thesis by defining terms 'in a broad and narrow sense.' It is considered a sign of a rigorous mind. The word 'широкий' (wide) has a deep positive cultural resonance. It implies generosity and lack of boundaries, which makes 'в широком смысле' feel more 'human' than 'literal' meanings. In Russian law, 'broad interpretation' can be a controversial topic, often discussed in the context of constitutional rights. Even in casual settings, Russians tend to enjoy 'kitchen philosophy.' Using this phrase helps transition from small talk to deep talk.
The 'Of the Word' trick
Add 'этого слова' (of this word) to the end to sound 10x more like a native intellectual.
Don't overdo it
Using this in every sentence makes you sound like a textbook. Save it for when you actually need to expand a definition.
Signification
Considering the general meaning
The 'Of the Word' trick
Add 'этого слова' (of this word) to the end to sound 10x more like a native intellectual.
Don't overdo it
Using this in every sentence makes you sound like a textbook. Save it for when you actually need to expand a definition.
The 'Narrow' Contrast
If you use 'в широком смысле,' be prepared for someone to ask you what you mean 'в узком смысле.' They go together like salt and pepper.
Comma usage
Always put a comma after it if it starts the sentence. It's an introductory phrase.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words in the correct case.
В _________ _________, каждый из нас — немного философ.
The preposition 'в' requires the prepositional case: 'широком' (adj) and 'смысле' (noun).
Which phrase is the opposite of 'в широком смысле'?
Антоним фразы 'в широком смысле' — это:
'Узкий' (narrow) is the direct logical opposite of 'широкий' (wide) in this context.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.
— Ты считаешь, что видеоигры — это спорт? — Ну, ___ _________ _________, да, потому что там есть соревнование.
The speaker is expanding the definition of 'sport' to include video games, which is the 'broad sense.'
In which situation would you MOST likely use 'в широком смысле'?
Выберите подходящую ситуацию:
Abstract concepts like 'freedom' are perfect candidates for broad definitions.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Broad vs. Narrow
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesВ _________ _________, каждый из нас — немного философ.
The preposition 'в' requires the prepositional case: 'широком' (adj) and 'смысле' (noun).
Антоним фразы 'в широком смысле' — это:
'Узкий' (narrow) is the direct logical opposite of 'широкий' (wide) in this context.
— Ты считаешь, что видеоигры — это спорт? — Ну, ___ _________ _________, да, потому что там есть соревнование.
The speaker is expanding the definition of 'sport' to include video games, which is the 'broad sense.'
Выберите подходящую ситуацию:
Abstract concepts like 'freedom' are perfect candidates for broad definitions.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral-to-formal. It's perfect for work, university, or serious discussions, but might be a bit much for asking someone to pass the salt.
Yes, it's grammatically correct and means the same thing, but 'в широком смысле' is the much more common idiomatic expression.
The prepositional case. That's why it's 'широком' and 'смысле.'
You would say: 'В широком смысле — нет.'
Not exactly, but 'по большому счёту' is the more casual cousin that people use in everyday life.
No, it's for concepts and words. You can't say 'He is a broad sense person.' You would say 'Он человек широких взглядов' (He is a person of broad views).
Yes, when it acts as an introductory phrase at the start of a sentence.
'В общем' means 'generally/overall.' 'В широком смысле' means 'if we expand the definition of this specific word.'
Yes! That means 'in the broadest possible sense.' It's very emphatic.
Constantly. It's used to define project scopes, market sectors, and roles.
Expressions liées
в узком смысле
contrastIn a narrow/strict sense.
в буквальном смысле
similarLiterally.
по большому счёту
similarOn the whole / essentially.
в общем и целом
similarIn general / overall.
так сказать
builds onSo to speak.
