B2 adjective Neutral #4,234 most common

widespread

/ˈwaɪd.spred/

Describes something that exists, happens, or is used in many places or among a large number of people. It is often used to characterize the extent of social trends, scientific phenomena, or public opinions.

Examples

3 of 5
1

There is widespread concern about the rising cost of living in the city.

Many people are worried about how expensive it is becoming to live in the city.

2

The policy change was implemented to address widespread poverty in the region.

The new rule was made to help the many people living in poverty across the area.

3

The news of the surprise concert caused widespread excitement on social media.

Lots of people on the internet got very excited about the unannounced show.

Word Family

Adverb
widespreadly
Adjective
widespread
Related
prevalence
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Memory Tip

Visualize a 'wide' net being 'spread' out over a whole map to catch as much as possible.

Quick Quiz

The ______ use of smartphones has changed the way we communicate daily.

Correct!

The correct answer is: widespread

Examples

1

There is widespread concern about the rising cost of living in the city.

everyday

Many people are worried about how expensive it is becoming to live in the city.

2

The policy change was implemented to address widespread poverty in the region.

formal

The new rule was made to help the many people living in poverty across the area.

3

The news of the surprise concert caused widespread excitement on social media.

informal

Lots of people on the internet got very excited about the unannounced show.

4

The widespread adoption of digital learning tools has transformed modern education.

academic

The fact that almost everyone uses digital tools now has changed how we teach and learn.

5

The company faced widespread criticism after the product recall was announced.

business

Many different groups and individuals criticized the business when they took the product back.

Word Family

Adverb
widespreadly
Adjective
widespread
Related
prevalence

Common Collocations

widespread belief An idea that many people think is true
widespread support Agreement or help coming from many different people
widespread use The act of something being used by a large population
widespread damage Harm that has occurred over a very large area
widespread consensus General agreement among a large group of people

Common Phrases

widespread acclaim

Praise from a large number of people or critics

widespread panic

A state of fear affecting a large population simultaneously

widespread impact

Having a significant effect on many people or areas

Often Confused With

widespread vs broad

'Broad' refers to physical width or a general range, while 'widespread' specifically means distributed over a large area or population.

widespread vs popular

'Popular' implies something is liked by many, whereas 'widespread' simply means it exists in many places (even if it is negative, like a disease).

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Usage Notes

This word is most commonly used as an adjective before a noun. It is highly effective in academic writing to describe the scale of a problem or the reach of a study's findings.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'wide' instead of 'widespread' when referring to abstract concepts like 'acceptance' or 'poverty.' Use 'widespread' when the 'spreading' across a population is the key idea.

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Memory Tip

Visualize a 'wide' net being 'spread' out over a whole map to catch as much as possible.

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Word Origin

Originating in the early 19th century from the combination of the English words 'wide' and 'spread.'

Grammar Patterns

Used as an attributive adjective (e.g., widespread support). Used as a predicative adjective (e.g., The problem is widespread).

Quick Quiz

The ______ use of smartphones has changed the way we communicate daily.

Correct!

The correct answer is: widespread

More academic words

empirical

C1

Empirical refers to information or knowledge acquired by means of observation or experimentation. It distinguishes claims supported by evidence from those based solely on theory, logic, or speculation.

substantially

B2

This adverb describes a change, amount, or difference that is large, important, or considerable in size or value. It is frequently used in formal or academic contexts to quantify the degree to which something has occurred or shifted.

perspective

B2

A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view. It often involves the ability to consider a situation from multiple angles to understand its relative importance.

discourse

C1

Discourse refers to the formal and structured exchange of ideas through speech or writing, often within a specific field of study. It encompasses not just the words used, but the underlying social and intellectual frameworks that shape how a topic is discussed.

ambiguous

C1

Describes language, data, or situations that are open to more than one interpretation and lack a single, clear meaning. It is frequently used to identify statements that are vague or confusing because they could be understood in multiple ways.

facilitate

B2

To facilitate means to make an action or a process easier or to help it run more smoothly. It is often used to describe providing the necessary conditions or assistance for a goal to be achieved without taking direct control of the outcome.

diminish

B2

To diminish means to become or make something smaller, weaker, or less important. It is often used to describe a reduction in physical size, abstract value, or intensity over time.

manipulation

C1

Manipulation refers to the skillful handling or controlling of something, often a physical object or data. In a social or psychological context, it often implies influencing others in a clever or unscrupulous way to serve one's own interests.

terminology

B2

Terminology refers to the set of specialized terms, symbols, and expressions used within a specific profession, academic subject, or social group. It provides a precise language that allows experts to communicate complex ideas efficiently within their field.

hypothesis

C1

A proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation. It is a fundamental element of the scientific method, requiring empirical testing to be validated or refuted.

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