Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Ignoring distinctions; overly broad: Used to describe a statement, generalization, or criticism that is too broad and does not consider specific details or exceptions.
   • Taking in or moving over a wide area; extensive: Used to describe something that covers or affects a large area or range, or a movement that is broad and wide.

2. Noun:

   • The act of cleaning with a broom: The action of using a broom to clean a floor or surface.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The politician made a sweeping statement about all immigrants, which angered many community leaders. (Here, "sweeping" modifies "statement" to mean it was overly broad and ignored individual differences.)
  • From the hilltop, we had a sweeping view of the entire valley below. (Here, "sweeping" modifies "view" to mean it was wide and comprehensive.)
  • The new manager promised sweeping changes to the company's outdated policies. (Here, "sweeping" modifies "changes" to mean they are extensive and affect many areas.)

• Noun:

  • The daily sweeping of the kitchen floor is part of her routine. (Here, "sweeping" is the subject, referring to the act of cleaning with a broom.)

Advanced Usage

• "Sweeping generalization": A common collocation for an overly broad conclusion.

  • It's a sweeping generalization to say that all teenagers are irresponsible.

• "Sweeping victory/reform/movement": Used to describe a victory, reform, or movement that is decisive, comprehensive, and affects a wide scope.

  • The party won a sweeping victory in the elections, gaining control of parliament.

Variants and Related Words

• Sweep (verb): To clean or clear a surface with a broom or brush; to move swiftly and smoothly.
• Sweepingly (adverb): In a sweeping manner.
  • He spoke sweepingly about the failures of the education system.

Synonyms

• Adjective (for "ignoring distinctions"): Overgeneralized, blanket, indiscriminate.
• Adjective (for "extensive"): Vast, broad, comprehensive, wide-ranging.
• Noun: Cleaning, brushing.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Compounds

• Sweep away: To remove or abolish something completely.
  • The new law swept away the old regulations.
• Sweep up: To clean an area by sweeping; to gather something.
  • Please sweep up the broken glass.

Related Idioms

• Make a clean sweep: To remove all the old things or people and start fresh; to win everything in a competition.
  • The new CEO made a clean sweep of the senior management team.
  • The team made a clean sweep, winning all their matches this season.

Adjective

1. ignoring distinctions
   • sweeping generalizations
   • wholesale destruction
2. taking in or moving over (or as if over) a wide area; often used in combination
   • a sweeping glance
   • a wide-sweeping view of the river

Noun

1. the act of cleaning with a broom