broaden
Make wider in scope or range
Examples
In a meeting
“We should broaden our search to include candidates from other industries.”
Over coffee
“Reading different genres will broaden your perspective.”
Why this word
expand
broaden specifically means making wider in scope or range, while expand is general increase in size
widen
broaden emphasizes increasing range or inclusiveness, while widen focuses on physical or conceptual width
increase
broaden implies extending scope or diversity, while increase just means making greater in amount
Usage tip
Use when expanding scope, range, or perspective beyond current limits
Etymology
Old English: brad 'broad' + suffix -en (making verbs)
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Related words
encompass
To include or contain a wide range of things.
encompassing
Including everything or covering all aspects
comprehensive
Complete and including everything that is necessary; thorough.
pervasive
Spreading widely throughout an area or group
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion
streamline
To make a process or system more efficient by simplifying or eliminating unnecessary steps.