Broadly speaking
Hedging expression to soften claims
Littéralement: In a wide or expansive way of talking
Use it to give a general overview while signaling that you know exceptions exist.
En 15 secondes
- A way to summarize the main point without small details.
- Used to soften claims and avoid being technically wrong.
- Perfect for professional meetings or general casual descriptions.
Signification
You use this when you want to give a general summary without getting stuck in tiny details. It helps you make a point that is mostly true, even if there are a few exceptions.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Explaining a movie plot
Broadly speaking, it's a story about a man lost in space.
Generally, it is a story about a man lost in space.
In a business meeting
Broadly speaking, our sales have improved since last quarter.
In general terms, our sales are better than before.
Texting a friend about a party
Broadly speaking, it was a success, though the music was weird.
Overall it was good, but the music was strange.
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects the Anglo-American cultural tendency toward 'hedging'—the practice of softening a statement to avoid appearing overconfident or aggressive. It gained significant traction in the 19th century within scientific and philosophical discourse to distinguish between universal laws and general observations.
The 'Well, Actually' Shield
Use this phrase to protect yourself from people who love to point out tiny exceptions. It signals that you already know exceptions exist.
Don't be too vague
If your boss asks for a specific number, like 'How much did we spend?', don't say 'Broadly speaking, a lot.' They will think you're hiding the truth!
En 15 secondes
- A way to summarize the main point without small details.
- Used to soften claims and avoid being technically wrong.
- Perfect for professional meetings or general casual descriptions.
What It Means
Broadly speaking is your best friend when you want to be honest but brief. It tells your listener, "I am giving you the big picture now." You are zooming out like a camera lens. It means what you are about to say is true most of the time. It prevents people from correcting your small mistakes. It is a shield against the "well, actually" people in your life.
How To Use It
Put this phrase at the start of your sentence to set the stage. You can also drop it in the middle for a nice rhythmic pause. It works perfectly when you are summarizing a long story. Use it to simplify a complex topic for a friend. It feels natural and smart. It shows you understand the nuances but choose to focus on the main point. Think of it as a verbal shrug that says, "Close enough!"
When To Use It
Use it in a meeting when discussing a project's status. It is great for a first date when explaining your taste in music. Use it when someone asks for your opinion on a movie. It works well in emails to give a quick update. If you are at a restaurant and someone asks if the food is good, use it. It allows you to be positive without being 100% specific. It is a very safe way to express a general trend.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it when someone needs exact data or numbers. If a doctor asks about your symptoms, be specific instead. Avoid it during a legal testimony or a high-stakes contract negotiation. Using it too much can make you sound like you are hiding something. If your partner asks, "Do you love me?" do not start with broadly speaking. That is a recipe for a very long, very quiet dinner. Keep it for generalities, not deep personal commitments.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and US, love to "hedge." This means we avoid making 100% certain claims to stay polite. Broadly speaking comes from the idea of a "broad" or wide view. It suggests a certain intellectual humility. It became popular as academic and professional language moved toward being less aggressive. It shows you are a balanced thinker who sees the whole forest, not just one tree.
Common Variations
Generally speaking(The most common twin of this phrase)On the whole(A bit more old-fashioned but very classy)In a nutshell(For when you want to be even shorter)By and large(A nautical term that means the same thing)For the most part(Very casual and easy to use)
Notes d'usage
This phrase sits in the 'Goldilocks zone' of formality—not too stiff for a pub, but smart enough for a boardroom. It is a 'hedge,' meaning it protects the speaker from being proven wrong by a single exception.
The 'Well, Actually' Shield
Use this phrase to protect yourself from people who love to point out tiny exceptions. It signals that you already know exceptions exist.
Don't be too vague
If your boss asks for a specific number, like 'How much did we spend?', don't say 'Broadly speaking, a lot.' They will think you're hiding the truth!
The British Politeness
In the UK, this is often used to disagree politely. If someone says 'Broadly speaking, I agree,' they might be about to tell you why they actually disagree with the details!
Exemples
6Broadly speaking, it's a story about a man lost in space.
Generally, it is a story about a man lost in space.
Simplifies a complex plot into one main idea.
Broadly speaking, our sales have improved since last quarter.
In general terms, our sales are better than before.
Gives a positive trend without needing the exact spreadsheet.
Broadly speaking, it was a success, though the music was weird.
Overall it was good, but the music was strange.
Balances a general positive with a specific negative.
Broadly speaking, cats believe they own the house.
Generally, cats think they are the bosses.
Uses a formal phrase for a funny, relatable topic.
Broadly speaking, I've been feeling much better this week.
On the whole, I feel better lately.
Summarizes a physical state over several days.
Broadly speaking, people here are very punctual.
Usually, people in this area arrive on time.
Makes a cultural generalization politely.
Teste-toi
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence for a general summary.
___, the new policy has been well-received by the staff.
We use 'broadly speaking' to describe a general reaction from a large group.
Which phrase fits best when you want to avoid being too specific?
I don't have the data here, but ___, we are on budget.
When you lack specific data but know the general trend, 'broadly speaking' is the perfect hedge.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Broadly Speaking'
Mostly... / Basically...
Basically, the party was fun.
Broadly speaking
Broadly speaking, the trip was great.
In general terms / On a macro level
In general terms, the fiscal year was profitable.
Where to use Broadly Speaking
Office Meeting
Summarizing a report
Coffee with Friends
Reviewing a new cafe
Academic Writing
Introducing a theory
Family Dinner
Explaining your job
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsThey are almost identical. However, broadly speaking sounds slightly more intellectual or professional than generally speaking.
It is rare. It usually works best at the start, like Broadly speaking, the weather is nice.
Yes, but it might sound a bit fancy. For a very casual text, you might just use Basically instead.
No, they are opposites! Strictly speaking means you are following the exact rules or facts, while broadly speaking means you are looking at the big picture.
Absolutely. It is a great way to introduce a general trend before diving into the specific evidence.
It can be. If someone needs a specific answer and you use broadly speaking, it might seem like you are avoiding the question.
Put a small pause after the word speaking. For example: Broadly speaking (pause), the plan is working.
In this context, broad means wide or covering a large area, rather than focusing on a single point.
Not exactly slang, but people often just say Basically... or In a nutshell... in very informal settings.
Yes, but be careful. Saying Broadly speaking, he is a nice guy suggests that sometimes he might not be so nice!
Expressions liées
Generally speaking
Used to describe what is true in most cases.
By and large
Everything considered; mostly.
Strictly speaking
Following the exact definition or rules.
In general terms
Describing something without specific details.
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