Main Entry:

¹broad

Pronunciation:

\ˈbrȯd\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English brood, from Old English brād; akin to Old High German breit broad

Date:

before 12th century

1 a: having ample extent from side to side or between limits <broad shoulders> b: having a specified extension from side to side <made the path 10 feet broad>2: extending far and wide : spacious <the broad plains>3 a: open, full <broad daylight> b: plain, obvious <a broad hint>4: dialectal especially in pronunciation5: marked by lack of restraint, delicacy, or subtlety: aobsolete : outspoken b: coarse, risqué <broad humor> 6of a vowel : open —used specifically of a pronounced as in father7 a: liberal, tolerant <broad views> b: widely applicable or applied : general <a broad rule>8: relating to the main or essential points <broad outlines>

— broad·ly adverb

— broad·ness noun

synonyms broad, wide, deep mean having horizontal extent. broad and wide apply to a surface measured or viewed from side to side <a broad avenue>. wide is more common when units of measurement are mentioned <rugs eight feet wide> or applied to unfilled space between limits <a wide doorway>. broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered <broad shoulders>. deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point <a deep cupboard> <deep woods>.