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B2 verb #25,000 most common 14 min read

broadness

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips broadness in 30 Seconds

Explanation broadness in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'broadness' might be a bit difficult. However, you can think of it by looking at things that are 'wide' or 'big.' Imagine a very wide road. The 'broadness' of the road is how wide it is from one side to the other. If you have many different toys, like cars, dolls, and blocks, you have a 'broad' collection. The 'broadness' is the fact that you have many different kinds of toys. Even though you might not use the word 'broadness' yet, you already know the idea of 'wide.' You can say 'The road is broad' or 'The river is broad.' 'Broadness' is just the noun for that feeling of being wide. Think of a big, wide smile on a friend's face. That is the broadness of their smile. It makes people feel happy. So, broadness is just a fancy way to say 'how wide something is' or 'how many different things are in a group.'

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more nouns that come from adjectives. 'Broadness' comes from the adjective 'broad.' If a street is broad, it has a lot of broadness. You might hear this word when people talk about nature, like the broadness of a field or a lake. It is also used to describe things that are not physical. For example, if you know many words in English, you have a broadness of vocabulary. This is a good thing! It means you can talk about many topics. You can also use it for simple descriptions: 'The broadness of the box made it hard to carry.' In this sentence, it means the box was too wide for your arms. Remember, 'broadness' is the quality. If you want to describe something, use 'broad.' If you want to name the quality, use 'broadness.' It is a useful word to make your sentences sound a bit more advanced than just using 'width' or 'size' all the time.

For B1 learners, 'broadness' becomes useful for discussing more abstract ideas. You will encounter it in texts about education, travel, and work. A 'broadness of experience' is something that employers look for. It means you have worked in different places or done different types of tasks. You might also hear about the 'broadness of a topic.' If a teacher says, 'The broadness of this subject is huge,' they mean there are many different parts to learn. In your writing, you can use 'broadness' to show that you understand variety. Instead of saying 'There are many different types of animals in the park,' you could say 'The broadness of the wildlife in the park is amazing.' This shows you are moving beyond simple sentence structures. You should also start to notice how 'broadness' is used in phrases like 'broadness of mind,' which means being open to new ideas and not judging people. It is a very positive quality to have in a globalized world.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'broadness' with precision. This word is ideal for describing the scope of arguments, the variety of data, or the physical extent of complex structures. You should be able to distinguish between 'broadness' and its synonyms like 'breadth' or 'comprehensiveness.' At this level, you might use it to critique something: 'The broadness of the law is its main weakness, as it fails to address specific details.' Here, 'broadness' implies a lack of focus. Alternatively, you can use it to praise: 'The broadness of the artist's vision is truly breathtaking.' You will also see 'broadness' in academic contexts, such as 'the broadness of the study's parameters.' This level requires you to understand that 'broadness' is not just about physical width, but about the conceptual space an idea occupies. You should feel comfortable using it in essays and formal discussions to add nuance to your descriptions of range and variety.

C1 learners should use 'broadness' to articulate complex philosophical or technical concepts. At this advanced stage, you understand that 'broadness' can carry subtle connotations. For instance, in a legal context, 'broadness' can refer to the 'overbreadth' of a statute, which might make it unconstitutional. In linguistics, you might discuss the 'broadness of a phonetic transcription,' meaning how much detail is omitted to show general patterns. You should also be able to use the word in sophisticated metaphors. 'The broadness of the historical narrative often obscures the tiny, crucial details of individual lives.' This sentence shows a high level of control over the word's abstract potential. You are also likely to compare 'broadness' with 'depth' to discuss the balance of knowledge or research. A C1 speaker knows that 'broadness' without 'depth' can sometimes imply superficiality, and they can use this distinction to make persuasive arguments in academic or professional settings.

At the C2 level, 'broadness' is a tool for masterful and nuanced expression. You can use it to explore the boundaries of language and thought. You might discuss the 'broadness of the human condition' in a literary analysis or the 'broadness of the ontological spectrum' in a philosophy seminar. At this level, you are aware of the word's historical weight and its rhythmic function in a sentence. You might choose 'broadness' over 'breadth' specifically to create a certain cadence or to emphasize the 'state' of being broad as a persistent quality. You can also use it to describe the 'broadness of a smile' in a way that evokes a specific character trait, perhaps a sense of uncontainable joy or even a hint of mockery. Your usage of 'broadness' will be indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, appearing naturally in complex syntactic structures. You understand that 'broadness' is not just a measurement, but a fundamental way of perceiving the scale and variety of the world around us.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

broadness in 30 Seconds

Broadness describes the physical width of an object or the metaphorical range of an idea, highlighting how much 'space' it occupies.
It is a noun derived from the adjective 'broad' and is commonly used in academic, professional, and creative writing contexts.
Commonly paired with words like 'mind,' 'scope,' and 'knowledge,' it emphasizes variety, inclusivity, and an lack of narrow focus.
While similar to 'breadth,' broadness is often used to describe the state of being wide rather than just a technical measurement.

The term broadness refers to the quality or state of being wide, whether in a literal, physical sense or in a metaphorical, abstract sense. At its core, it describes the extent of something from side to side, but in modern English, it is most frequently employed to describe the variety, range, or scope of non-physical entities such as ideas, experiences, or academic subjects. When we speak of the broadness of a person's knowledge, we are admiring the fact that they know a little bit about many different things rather than focusing exclusively on one narrow niche. This word is a cornerstone of descriptive language because it allows us to quantify the 'space' that a concept occupies in the intellectual or physical world.

Physical Dimension: In a physical context, broadness might describe the width of a river, the span of a man's shoulders, or the expansive nature of a landscape. It suggests a sense of openness and lack of restriction. For example, the broadness of the valley allowed for a panoramic view that stretched for miles.

The sheer broadness of the Atlantic Ocean has historically served as both a barrier and a bridge between civilizations.

Intellectual Scope: Metaphorically, broadness is used to describe the inclusivity of a curriculum, the variety of a portfolio, or the tolerance of a mindset. A 'broadness of mind' suggests a lack of prejudice and a willingness to consider many different viewpoints. It is the opposite of narrow-mindedness.

Historically, the word has evolved from its Germanic roots to encompass both the tangible and the intangible. In the 18th century, it was often used to describe the 'broadness' of speech—meaning a thick accent or a lack of refinement. Today, however, that usage is rare, and we focus more on the 'broadness' of a digital network's coverage or the 'broadness' of a legal definition. In professional settings, managers often look for the 'broadness' of a candidate's skill set, ensuring they can adapt to various roles within a company. This versatility makes the word indispensable in both academic writing and daily conversation.

The broadness of the new policy ensures that every employee, regardless of their department, is covered under the health plan.

Artistic and Aesthetic Use: In art criticism, broadness can refer to the style of brushstrokes. A 'broadness of execution' implies that the artist used large, sweeping motions rather than fine, detailed ones. This gives the work a sense of energy and movement.

To conclude, broadness is a multifaceted word that bridges the gap between the physical world and the world of ideas. Whether you are measuring the broadness of a beam in a house or the broadness of a philosophical argument, you are essentially describing how much 'ground' that thing covers. Its CEFR B2 level reflects its importance in nuanced communication, where specific nouns are required to convey complex states of being. By mastering the use of 'broadness,' you gain a tool to describe diversity, inclusivity, and physical grandeur with precision.

We were struck by the broadness of her smile, which seemed to light up the entire room.

The broadness of the topic made it difficult to cover in a single thirty-minute lecture.

The architect emphasized the broadness of the hallways to create a sense of luxury and ease of movement.

Using broadness effectively requires an understanding of its role as a noun. It functions as the subject or object of a sentence, often followed by a prepositional phrase starting with 'of'. This structure helps specify exactly what is being described as wide or expansive. Because it is an abstract noun in many contexts, it does not typically have a plural form ('broadnesses' is technically possible but extremely rare and usually avoided in favor of 'ranges' or 'breadths').

Subject of a Sentence: When 'broadness' is the subject, it often dictates the tone of the entire statement. For example: 'The broadness of the research was its greatest strength.' Here, the word sets the stage for a discussion about the comprehensive nature of the work.

The broadness of his interests led him to pursue degrees in both physics and medieval literature.

Object of a Preposition: You will frequently see 'broadness' appearing after prepositions like 'due to', 'because of', or 'in spite of'. For example: 'He was hired because of the broadness of his professional experience.'

In academic writing, 'broadness' is used to define parameters. Researchers might discuss the 'broadness of the sample size' or the 'broadness of the theoretical framework.' This helps clarify the boundaries of the study. In creative writing, it serves to paint a picture of vastness. A novelist might describe the 'broadness of the horizon' to evoke a feeling of freedom or the 'broadness of a character's accent' to establish their regional identity. The word's versatility allows it to transition smoothly between these very different registers.

One must consider the broadness of the term 'culture' before attempting to define it in a sociological context.

Common Phrasal Patterns: Common patterns include 'the broadness of [Noun Phrase]' and '[Adjective] broadness'. Examples: 'the broadness of the appeal', 'the broadness of the spectrum', 'extraordinary broadness'.

Furthermore, 'broadness' can be used to describe the lack of specificity. If a plan has too much broadness, it might be criticized for being vague. 'The broadness of the proposal made it hard to implement specific actions.' In this case, the word carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that the scope is too wide to be practical. Understanding these subtle shifts in meaning—from positive (comprehensive) to negative (vague)—is key to using the word like a native speaker.

The broadness of the light in the painting suggests a time just before noon.

Despite the broadness of the law, it failed to address the specific needs of small business owners.

The broadness of the river at this point makes it impossible to build a bridge without significant funding.

You are most likely to encounter broadness in environments where variety and scope are valued. This includes universities, corporate boardrooms, and artistic circles. In a university setting, a professor might praise the broadness of a student's thesis, meaning the student has successfully synthesized information from many different sources. In a corporate setting, a recruiter might talk about the broadness of a market, referring to the wide range of potential customers available for a product. It is a word of 'the big picture.'

In Media and News: News anchors often use the word when discussing political movements or public opinion. They might mention the 'broadness of the coalition,' implying that people from many different backgrounds and political leanings are working together toward a common goal.

Political analysts were surprised by the broadness of support for the controversial new tax reform.

In Professional Development: Career coaches frequently emphasize the 'broadness of transferable skills.' This refers to abilities like communication or problem-solving that are useful in almost any job, regardless of the industry.

In everyday life, you might hear 'broadness' used to describe physical objects in a DIY or construction context. A carpenter might discuss the broadness of a plank of wood, or a gardener might talk about the broadness of a leaf. However, even in these cases, the word carries a more formal weight than 'width.' It suggests a focus on the quality of being broad rather than just the measurement itself. In the world of fashion, designers might discuss the 'broadness' of a silhouette, referring to how much space the garment occupies visually.

The broadness of the brush used for the background created a soft, out-of-focus effect.

Legal and Formal Contexts: Lawyers often argue about the 'broadness of an injunction' or the 'broadness of a search warrant.' If a warrant has too much broadness, it might be considered unconstitutional because it doesn't specify exactly what the police are looking for.

Finally, 'broadness' appears in discussions about technology and data. Data scientists might analyze the 'broadness of a dataset,' checking if it includes enough variety to train an AI model effectively. Without sufficient broadness, the AI might become biased or limited in its capabilities. In this sense, broadness is synonymous with diversity and representativeness, highlighting its critical role in modern scientific and technological advancement.

The broadness of the Wi-Fi signal in the stadium was impressive, reaching even the furthest corners of the stands.

Critics praised the broadness of the documentary, which explored the issue from historical, economic, and personal perspectives.

The broadness of the smile on the child's face was enough to tell us that the surprise had been a success.

One of the most frequent errors made by learners is confusing broadness with 'breadth.' While they are often interchangeable, 'breadth' is more common in formal writing and specific idioms (like 'the breadth and depth'). 'Broadness' is sometimes perceived as a more 'basic' or 'clunky' formation, although it is perfectly correct. Another common mistake is using 'broadness' when 'width' is the more appropriate technical term. For example, in geometry, one would always use 'width' rather than 'broadness.'

Confusing Noun and Adjective: Some learners mistakenly use 'broad' (the adjective) where the noun 'broadness' is required. For example, saying 'The broad of the river' instead of 'The broadness of the river.' Always remember that '-ness' turns the adjective into a noun.

Incorrect: We were amazed by the broad of his knowledge. Correct: We were amazed by the broadness of his knowledge.

Pluralization Errors: As mentioned earlier, 'broadness' is usually uncountable. Learners often try to say 'The broadnesses of the different topics,' which sounds unnatural. Instead, use 'The broad range of the different topics' or 'The breadth of the topics.'

Another subtle mistake involves the 'broadness of mind' vs. 'broad-mindedness.' While they mean nearly the same thing, 'broad-mindedness' is a specific trait, while 'broadness of mind' describes the state. Using 'broadness' to describe a person's character can sometimes sound a bit detached or overly analytical. It's better to say 'He is broad-minded' than 'He has a lot of broadness in his mind,' which sounds like a translation error from another language.

The broadness of the gap between the two buildings made jumping across impossible.

Collocation Errors: Learners sometimes pair 'broadness' with the wrong adjectives. For instance, they might say 'deep broadness.' While poetic, it is logically confusing. Use 'vast broadness' or 'immense broadness' instead.

Finally, be careful with the word in the context of accents. To say someone has a 'broadness of accent' is acceptable, but it is much more common to use the adjective: 'He has a broad accent.' Using the noun form here can make you sound like a 19th-century novelist. Modern English tends to prefer the simplest construction for everyday descriptions. Save 'broadness' for when you really want to emphasize the expansive nature of a concept or physical space.

The broadness of the brushstrokes indicated that the artist was in a hurry to finish the mural.

We were surprised by the broadness of the smile on the statue's face, which seemed almost lifelike.

The broadness of the legal definition allowed the prosecutor to include several unrelated crimes.

Understanding the synonyms for broadness helps you choose the most precise word for your context. While 'breadth' is the most common alternative, several other words offer slightly different nuances. 'Width' is the go-to word for physical measurements. 'Scope' is perfect for discussing the limits of a project or study. 'Range' is ideal for talking about a variety of things, like a range of products or a range of emotions. 'Vastness' adds a layer of awe and immense scale that 'broadness' doesn't always carry.

Breadth vs. Broadness: 'Breadth' is often used in the phrase 'breadth and depth.' It sounds more formal and is frequently used in academic and literary contexts. 'Broadness' is slightly more literal and can feel more descriptive of the physical state. Example: 'The breadth of his experience' sounds more professional than 'The broadness of his experience.'

The broadness of the spectrum of light visible to the human eye is actually quite limited compared to other species.

Scope and Extent: 'Scope' refers to the opportunity or possibility for something to happen or be dealt with. 'Extent' refers to the area covered by something. If you say 'the broadness of the problem,' you are focusing on how wide-ranging it is. If you say 'the extent of the problem,' you are focusing on how far it has spread.

In more casual settings, you might use 'variety' or 'diversity.' Instead of 'the broadness of the menu,' you could say 'the variety of the menu.' This sounds more natural when ordering food. However, in a critique of the restaurant's concept, you might return to 'broadness' to describe their culinary philosophy. 'The broadness of their menu suggests they are trying to please everyone but mastering nothing.' This shows how the choice of word can change the tone of your criticism.

We were impressed by the broadness of the selection at the local library.

Latitude and Amplitude: These are more technical terms. 'Latitude' can mean freedom from normal constraints, often used as 'giving someone latitude.' 'Amplitude' is used in physics to describe the maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation. While related to broadness, they are much more specific.

To sum up, while 'broadness' is a versatile and useful word, it exists within a rich ecosystem of related terms. By choosing 'breadth' for elegance, 'width' for measurement, 'scope' for limits, or 'vastness' for scale, you can make your English more expressive and precise. Always consider the 'register' of your conversation—formal, academic, or casual—before deciding which synonym fits best. This level of word choice is what distinguishes a B2 learner from a C1 or C2 proficient speaker.

The broadness of the company's vision for the future was both inspiring and slightly intimidating.

The broadness of the river made it a natural boundary between the two warring nations.

The broadness of the appeal ensured that the charity met its fundraising goal within a week.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the 17th century, 'broadness' was sometimes used to describe vulgarity or 'broad' jokes—meaning jokes that were a bit too obvious or inappropriate. This usage has mostly faded, but it shows how 'wide' can metaphorically mean 'unrestrained.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈbrɔːdnəs/

US /ˈbrɔdnəs/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: BROAD-ness.

Rhymes With

Oddness Godness (archaic) Pawn-ness (rare) Flawedness Rawness (near rhyme) Awitness Lawness Brawn-ness

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'broad' like 'road' (it should rhyme with 'sawed', not 'rode').
Adding an extra syllable like 'broad-i-ness'.
Mixing it up with 'breadth' (pronounced 'bret-th').
Over-stressing the 'ness' suffix.
Dropping the 'd' completely so it sounds like 'brawness'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in textbooks and news, but requires understanding of abstract nouns.

Writing 6/5

Learners often prefer 'breadth' or 'width', so using 'broadness' correctly shows higher proficiency.

Speaking 5/5

Used in professional discussions, but sounds slightly formal for casual chat.

Listening 4/5

Easy to recognize if you know the adjective 'broad'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

broad wide width size range

Learn Next

breadth comprehensiveness vastness latitude scope

Advanced

ontological broadness conceptual breadth extensiveness amplitude overbreadth

Grammar to Know

Suffix -ness

Broad + ness = Broadness. Similar to Happy + ness = Happiness.

Abstract Nouns

Broadness is an abstract noun and usually doesn't take a plural 's'.

Prepositional Phrases

Broadness is almost always followed by 'of' + [Noun].

Adjective to Noun conversion

When moving from 'The road is broad' to 'The broadness of the road', the focus shifts to the quality.

Definite Article Usage

We usually say 'the broadness' because we are referring to the specific quality of a specific thing.

Examples by Level

The broadness of the road is good for cars.

La largeur de la route est bonne pour les voitures.

Noun as the subject of the sentence.

Look at the broadness of his smile!

Regarde la largeur de son sourire !

Used with a possessive adjective 'his'.

The broadness of the table is two meters.

La largeur de la table est de deux mètres.

Describing physical measurement.

I like the broadness of the blue sky.

J'aime l'immensité du ciel bleu.

Used with 'the' as a definite noun.

The broadness of the river is scary.

La largeur de la rivière est effrayante.

Subject followed by 'is'.

She was surprised by the broadness of the park.

Elle a été surprise par l'immensité du parc.

Object of the preposition 'by'.

The broadness of the bed is perfect for two people.

La largeur du lit est parfaite pour deux personnes.

Noun phrase 'the broadness of the bed'.

We see the broadness of the sea from here.

Nous voyons l'immensité de la mer d'ici.

Direct object of the verb 'see'.

The broadness of the room makes it feel cold.

La grandeur de la pièce la rend froide.

Noun used to describe an atmospheric quality.

He has a broadness of shoulders that helps him swim.

Il a une carrure d'épaules qui l'aide à nager.

Describing a physical body trait.

The broadness of the field was full of flowers.

L'étendue du champ était pleine de fleurs.

Subject of the sentence.

The broadness of the menu was too much for me.

La variété du menu était trop pour moi.

Metaphorical use for variety.

They measured the broadness of the bridge.

Ils ont mesuré la largeur du pont.

Direct object of 'measured'.

I was amazed by the broadness of the forest.

J'ai été émerveillé par l'immensité de la forêt.

Prepositional phrase 'by the broadness'.

The broadness of his knowledge helped us win.

L'étendue de ses connaissances nous a aidés à gagner.

Abstract noun usage.

The broadness of the street is good for the parade.

La largeur de la rue est bonne pour le défilé.

Describing suitability for a purpose.

The broadness of the curriculum allows students to explore many interests.

L'étendue du programme permet aux étudiants d'explorer de nombreux intérêts.

Used in an educational context.

We were impressed by the broadness of the charity's work.

Nous avons été impressionnés par l'étendue du travail de l'association.

Describing the scope of an organization.

The broadness of the view from the mountain was incredible.

L'immensité de la vue depuis la montagne était incroyable.

Describing a panoramic experience.

Her broadness of mind made her a great diplomat.

Son ouverture d'esprit a fait d'elle une grande diplomate.

Common collocation 'broadness of mind'.

The broadness of the company's goals was very ambitious.

L'ampleur des objectifs de l'entreprise était très ambitieuse.

Describing corporate ambition.

Because of the broadness of the topic, we need more time.

En raison de l'étendue du sujet, nous avons besoin de plus de temps.

Used with 'because of'.

The broadness of the selection at the library is great.

La variété du choix à la bibliothèque est géniale.

Synonymous with variety.

The broadness of the river made the crossing difficult.

La largeur de la rivière a rendu la traversée difficile.

Describing a physical challenge.

The broadness of the new policy ensures that no one is left behind.

L'étendue de la nouvelle politique garantit que personne n'est laissé pour compte.

Describing inclusivity in policy.

There is a certain broadness in his acting style that appeals to everyone.

Il y a une certaine ampleur dans son style de jeu qui plaît à tout le monde.

Describing an artistic style.

The broadness of the study's scope was criticized by some researchers.

L'étendue de la portée de l'étude a été critiquée par certains chercheurs.

Used in a critical academic context.

One must admire the broadness of the vision behind the project.

On doit admirer l'ampleur de la vision derrière le projet.

Used with the modal 'must'.

The broadness of the appeal was due to its simple message.

L'étendue de l'attrait était due à son message simple.

Describing the popularity of an idea.

The broadness of the legal definition led to several misunderstandings.

La largeur de la définition juridique a conduit à plusieurs malentendus.

Describing a lack of specificity.

The broadness of the brushstrokes gave the painting a sense of energy.

La largeur des coups de pinceau a donné au tableau un sentiment d'énergie.

Describing artistic technique.

The broadness of the horizon gave her a feeling of total freedom.

L'immensité de l'horizon lui donnait un sentiment de liberté totale.

Describing an emotional reaction to space.

The broadness of the historical narrative often overlooks the nuances of local culture.

L'ampleur du récit historique néglige souvent les nuances de la culture locale.

C1 level abstract contrast.

Critics often debate the broadness of the term 'post-modernism'.

Les critiques débattent souvent de l'étendue du terme 'postmodernisme'.

Discussing the definition of complex terms.

The broadness of the dataset allowed for a more robust statistical analysis.

L'étendue de l'ensemble de données a permis une analyse statistique plus robuste.

Scientific/Technical usage.

In his later years, his broadness of perspective became his defining trait.

Dans ses dernières années, son ampleur de perspective est devenue son trait caractéristique.

Describing character evolution.

The broadness of the protest movement surprised even its organizers.

L'ampleur du mouvement de protestation a surpris même ses organisateurs.

Describing social phenomena.

The broadness of the light in the valley suggested a storm was approaching.

L'immensité de la lumière dans la vallée suggérait qu'une tempête approchait.

Describing atmospheric conditions.

The broadness of the spectrum of opinions made reaching a consensus difficult.

L'étendue de l'éventail des opinions a rendu difficile l'obtention d'un consensus.

Describing political/social difficulty.

The broadness of the architectural design was meant to convey power.

L'ampleur de la conception architecturale était censée transmettre le pouvoir.

Describing the intent of design.

The broadness of the ontological inquiry left the students in a state of existential dread.

L'ampleur de l'enquête ontologique a laissé les étudiants dans un état d'angoisse existentielle.

Highly academic/philosophical usage.

There is an inherent broadness in the poet's metaphors that defies simple categorization.

Il y a une ampleur inhérente dans les métaphores du poète qui défie toute catégorisation simple.

Literary analysis.

The broadness of the mandate gave the interim government unprecedented authority.

L'étendue du mandat a donné au gouvernement intérimaire une autorité sans précédent.

Political/Legal nuance.

The broadness of the smile was, in retrospect, a carefully constructed mask.

La largeur du sourire était, avec le recul, un masque soigneusement construit.

Psychological subtext.

Scientific progress often relies on the broadness of the collaborative network.

Le progrès scientifique repose souvent sur l'étendue du réseau de collaboration.

Discussing systemic progress.

The broadness of the gap between theory and practice remains a central challenge.

L'ampleur du fossé entre la théorie et la pratique reste un défi central.

Metaphorical analysis of a problem.

The broadness of the landscape was echoed in the epic scale of the symphony.

L'immensité du paysage se retrouvait dans l'échelle épique de la symphonie.

Cross-disciplinary aesthetic comparison.

The broadness of the phonetic variation within the dialect is quite remarkable.

L'étendue de la variation phonétique au sein du dialecte est tout à fait remarquable.

Technical linguistic description.

Synonyms

breadth width scope range vastness comprehensiveness

Antonyms

narrowness restrictedness limitation

Common Collocations

broadness of mind

broadness of scope

broadness of vision

broadness of appeal

broadness of experience

physical broadness

extraordinary broadness

broadness of shoulders

broadness of interests

broadness of definition

Common Phrases

in its broadness

— Referring to the overall wide nature of a concept.

The plan, in its broadness, seemed perfect, but the details were missing.

due to the broadness of

— Explaining a result because of a wide range or scope.

Due to the broadness of the topic, we will only cover the main points.

lack of broadness

— Describing something that is too narrow or limited.

The lack of broadness in the study's data made the results unreliable.

sheer broadness

— Emphasizing the extreme width or range of something.

The sheer broadness of the Atlantic Ocean is hard to imagine.

surprising broadness

— When the width or range is more than expected.

The surprising broadness of the support for the bill shocked the senate.

broadness of perspective

— Having a wide way of looking at the world.

Travel often leads to a greater broadness of perspective.

broadness of character

— A personality that is diverse and non-judgmental.

Her broadness of character allowed her to befriend anyone.

broadness of the horizon

— The wide line where the earth meets the sky.

They sailed toward the broadness of the horizon.

limit the broadness

— To make the scope of something smaller.

We need to limit the broadness of the search to find better results.

admire the broadness

— To respect how wide or inclusive something is.

You have to admire the broadness of the museum's collection.

Often Confused With

broadness vs breadth

They are nearly identical, but breadth is more common in formal phrases like 'breadth and depth'.

broadness vs width

Width is for technical measurements (e.g., a 10cm width), while broadness is for the quality of being wide.

broadness vs vastness

Vastness implies something is huge in all directions, while broadness specifically highlights width or variety.

Idioms & Expressions

"broadness of mind"

— The quality of being open-minded and tolerant of diverse ideas.

Broadness of mind is essential for a peaceful society.

Formal/Neutral

"in broad daylight"

— While related to 'broad,' this means in the middle of the day where everyone can see.

The robbery happened in broad daylight.

Informal

"broad brush"

— Describing something in a general way without details.

He painted the situation with a broad brush, ignoring the nuances.

Idiomatic

"broad shoulders"

— The ability to bear a lot of responsibility or criticism.

You need broad shoulders to be a world leader.

Idiomatic

"broad hint"

— A very obvious suggestion that is not subtle.

She gave him a broad hint that she wanted to leave.

Neutral

"broadly speaking"

— In a general sense, without looking at specific details.

Broadly speaking, the economy is improving.

Neutral

"as broad as it is long"

— Used to say that two options are essentially the same.

Whether we go by bus or train, it's as broad as it is long.

Informal

"broad appeal"

— Attracting a wide variety of people.

The new comedy has a very broad appeal.

Neutral

"broad base"

— A wide foundation of support or resources.

The candidate has a broad base of support among young voters.

Professional

"broad church"

— An organization that includes people with many different opinions.

The political party is a broad church, including both liberals and conservatives.

Formal

Easily Confused

broadness vs broaden

It is the verb form of the same root.

Broaden is an action (to make wider), while broadness is the state (being wide).

You need to broaden your mind to appreciate the broadness of this topic.

broadness vs breadth

It is a more formal synonym.

Breadth is often used for abstract range; broadness is used for both physical and abstract, but sounds slightly more literal.

The breadth of his knowledge matches the broadness of his interests.

broadness vs board

Similar spelling.

A board is a flat piece of wood; broadness is the width of that board.

The broadness of the board was perfect for the shelf.

broadness vs broadly

It is the adverb form.

Broadly describes how an action is done; broadness is the name of the quality.

He smiled broadly, showing the broadness of his grin.

broadness vs brightness

Phonetically similar suffix and sound.

Brightness refers to light; broadness refers to width.

The brightness of the sun illuminated the broadness of the valley.

Sentence Patterns

The broadness of the [Noun] is [Adjective].

The broadness of the road is good.

I like the broadness of [Noun].

I like the broadness of the park.

[Noun] has a great broadness of [Noun].

The library has a great broadness of books.

The broadness of [Noun] allows for [Result].

The broadness of the curriculum allows for many choices.

One must consider the broadness of [Noun] before [Action].

One must consider the broadness of the legal definition before acting.

[Noun] was characterized by a certain broadness of [Noun].

The era was characterized by a certain broadness of vision.

The inherent broadness of [Abstract Noun] defies [Noun].

The inherent broadness of human nature defies simple explanation.

Echoing the broadness of [Noun], the [Noun] [Verb].

Echoing the broadness of the sky, the painting felt endless.

Word Family

Nouns

broadness

breadth

broadening

Verbs

broaden

Adjectives

broad

broad-minded

width

wide

widen

scope

span

How to Use It

frequency

Common in academic and professional writing; less common in very casual speech.

Common Mistakes

The broad of the river. → The broadness of the river.
You must use the noun form 'broadness' or 'breadth', not the adjective 'broad'.
He has a lot of broadness in his mind. → He has a great broadness of mind.
The phrase 'broadness of mind' is a fixed collocation. Using 'in his mind' sounds unnatural.
The width and broadness of the topic. → The breadth and depth of the topic.
Using 'width' and 'broadness' together is redundant. 'Breadth and depth' is the standard idiom.
We measured the broadness with a ruler. → We measured the width with a ruler.
For technical, numerical measurements, 'width' is the correct term.
The broadnesses of the two fields. → The broadness of the two fields.
Broadness is uncountable. Even when referring to two things, keep it singular or use 'widths'.

Tips

Pair with 'of'

Always follow 'broadness' with 'of' to specify what you are describing. 'The broadness of the topic' is better than just saying 'The broadness'.

Use for Variety

Use 'broadness' as a synonym for 'variety' in formal writing to sound more sophisticated. For example, 'the broadness of the menu' sounds better than 'the many things on the menu'.

Rhyme with 'Law'

Remember that 'broad' rhymes with 'law'. This will help you avoid the common mistake of rhyming it with 'road'.

Avoid Plurals

Treat 'broadness' as uncountable. If you want to talk about many things, use 'wide range' instead of 'broadnesses'.

Abstract vs Physical

Don't be afraid to use 'broadness' for abstract things like 'vision' or 'appeal'. It's a great way to describe the 'size' of an idea.

Contrast with Depth

In essays, compare 'broadness' with 'depth' to show you understand the balance of a subject. 'The study had great broadness but lacked depth'.

Mind and Vision

Memorize 'broadness of mind' and 'broadness of vision' as set phrases. They are very common in professional and philosophical English.

Scope and Parameters

In science, use 'broadness' to describe the 'scope' or 'parameters' of your research to sound more precise.

Use for Smiles

A very common way to use this word casually is to describe the 'broadness of a smile'. It’s a nice, descriptive way to say someone looked very happy.

Not 'Broad-ness'

Don't pause between 'broad' and 'ness'. It's one smooth word. Practice saying it fast to make it sound natural.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Broad' 'Ness' (like the Loch Ness Monster). Imagine Nessie is very wide and covers the whole lake. That width is her 'broadness.'

Visual Association

Visualize a giant, wide-screen TV. The 'broadness' of the screen is what makes the movie look so epic. It's the 'wide-ness' that counts.

Word Web

Wide Range Scope Mind Shoulders River Variety Horizon

Challenge

Try to use 'broadness' three times today: once to describe something physical, once to describe someone's knowledge, and once to describe a goal.

Word Origin

The word 'broadness' comes from the Old English word 'brad,' which meant 'wide' or 'not narrow.' This root is common to many Germanic languages, such as the German 'breit' and the Dutch 'breed.' The suffix '-ness' was added later in Middle English to transform the adjective into an abstract noun, following the standard pattern for creating nouns of quality.

Original meaning: The original meaning was strictly physical, referring to the width of an object or a piece of land.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'broadness' to describe people's physical features, as it can sometimes be perceived as a comment on weight, though 'broadness of shoulders' is usually a compliment.

The term is common in academic and professional settings to describe diversity and scope.

The 'broadness of the American landscape' is a common theme in 20th-century literature. Philosophers often discuss the 'broadness of the human experience'. In the movie 'Gladiator', the broadness of the Colosseum symbolizes the scale of Rome.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Education

broadness of the curriculum
broadness of knowledge
broadness of the field
broadness of study

Geography

broadness of the valley
broadness of the river
broadness of the horizon
broadness of the plains

Business

broadness of the market
broadness of the appeal
broadness of the vision
broadness of the portfolio

Law

broadness of the definition
broadness of the mandate
broadness of the search warrant
broadness of the law

Art

broadness of brushstrokes
broadness of style
broadness of the canvas
broadness of interpretation

Conversation Starters

"What do you think about the broadness of the current school curriculum?"

"Do you value broadness of experience over deep specialization in a job?"

"I was amazed by the broadness of the view from the top of the tower, wasn't it great?"

"How can we improve the broadness of our team's skill set?"

"Does the broadness of the internet make it harder or easier to find the truth?"

Journal Prompts

Reflect on a time when someone's broadness of mind changed your perspective on a difficult topic.

Describe a physical place you've visited where the sheer broadness of the landscape made you feel small.

If you could increase the broadness of your knowledge in one specific area, what would it be and why?

Write about the broadness of your own interests. How do they relate to each other?

Consider the broadness of the term 'success'. What does it mean to you personally?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'broadness' is a perfectly valid English noun. It is formed by adding the suffix '-ness' to the adjective 'broad'. While 'breadth' is a more common synonym in formal writing, 'broadness' is frequently used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Use 'width' for precise physical measurements (e.g., 'The width of the door is 3 feet'). Use 'broadness' when you want to describe the quality or state of being wide, especially in non-physical or descriptive contexts (e.g., 'The broadness of the river' or 'The broadness of his smile').

It is generally neutral but leans toward formal. You will see it in books, news reports, and academic papers. In very casual conversation, people might just say 'how wide it is' or 'how much variety there is'.

In most cases, they are interchangeable. However, 'breadth' is more common in established idioms like 'breadth and depth' and is often preferred in high-level academic writing. 'Broadness' feels slightly more descriptive of the physical state.

Technically, you can say 'broadnesses', but it is extremely rare. It is an uncountable noun. If you need to talk about multiple wide things, it's better to say 'the broad ranges' or 'the different widths'.

It means being open-minded, tolerant, and willing to accept different ideas, cultures, and opinions. It is the opposite of 'narrow-mindedness'.

It is pronounced BROAD-ness. The 'broad' part rhymes with 'sawed' or 'lawed', not with 'road'.

Yes, 'broadness of accent' refers to how strong or thick a regional accent is. However, it is more common to say 'He has a broad accent'.

Yes, it can describe the 'broadness of a spectrum' in physics or the 'broadness of a dataset' in data science, referring to the range of values or variety of information.

Usually, yes. It implies variety, inclusivity, and vastness. However, if a plan is described as having 'too much broadness', it might mean it is too vague and lacks specific details.