Definition

Noun: 1. The quality or state of being broad; having great width or extent from side to side. This is the primary and most literal meaning, referring to physical dimensions. 2. Lack of specificity or detail; generality. This meaning refers to the quality of being broad in scope, range, or application, rather than narrow or precise.

Usage and Examples

• Literal (Physical Width):
  • The broadness of the river made it impossible to swim across.
  • He was impressed by the broadness of the athlete's shoulders.
• Figurative (Scope/Generality):
  • The broadness of the question made it difficult to give a specific answer.
  • We appreciate the broadness of your proposal, but we need more detailed plans.

Advanced Usage

• "Broadness of mind" or "broadness of view": This is an idiomatic use referring to a quality of being liberal, tolerant, or not limited in outlook. It suggests being open to many different ideas or perspectives.
  • Her travels contributed to the broadness of her mind.

Variants and Related Words

• Broad (adjective): Having great width; covering a large number and wide scope of subjects or areas.
  • a broad street; a broad range of skills
• Broaden (verb): To become or make something broader.
  • Travel will broaden your horizons.
• Broadly (adverb): In a general way, without considering details; widely.
  • Broadly speaking, the plan was a success.

Synonyms

• Width: The measurement or extent of something from side to side.
• Wideness: The state of being wide.
• Generality: The quality or state of being general rather than specific.
• Comprehensiveness: The quality of including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.

Antonyms

• Narrowness: The quality or state of being narrow, limited, or restricted.
• Specificity: The quality of being precise, exact, or relating to a particular subject.

Noun

1. the property of being wide; having great width