widely distributed
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: - Found or occurring in many different places across a broad geographical area: Describes a species, phenomenon, or thing that is not restricted to a single region but is common or native to many parts of the world.
Usage
This adjective is primarily used to describe the geographical range of living organisms (e.g., plants, animals, bacteria) or, by extension, other things that are found in numerous, often distant, locations. - It is typically placed before a noun (attributive use) or after a linking verb like "is" or "are" (predicative use). - It often appears in scientific, ecological, and geographical contexts.
Examples
- The dandelion is a widely distributed plant.
- This species of fungus is widely distributed across all continents except Antarctica.
- They studied the widely distributed cultural practice of storytelling.
Advanced Usage
- In Ecology/Biology: Used to contrast with terms like "endemic" (restricted to one location) or "localized."
- Figurative Use: Can be applied to abstract concepts like ideas or problems.
Variants and Related Words
- Cosmopolitan (adj): Having a worldwide distribution; not limited to one region. Often used synonymously in biological contexts.
- Ubiquitous (adj): Seeming to be found everywhere. This word emphasizes commonness and presence more than geographical range.
- Pandemic (adj): (Of a disease) prevalent over a whole country or the world. A more specific term, often for illnesses.
Synonyms
- Cosmopolitan
- Global
- Widespread
- Far-flung
- Extensive
Antonyms
- Endemic
- Localized
- Restricted
- Limited
Adjective
- growing or occurring in many parts of the world
- a cosmopolitan herb
- cosmopolitan in distribution