adverb

widely

Over a large area, among many people, or to a great extent.

This plant grows widely across the warmer parts of the country.

Etymology

The breadth adjective takes the adverb ending. Widely extends spatial breadth to distribution among people or to a large degree.

More examples

  • Her research is widely respected by other scientists.
  • Prices vary widely from one store to another.
  • He reads widely to learn about different cultures.

Forms

widely · more widely · most widely

wide adjective — Extending a great distance from side to side.

Similar words

broadly
Often suggests general scope rather than geographic spread.
extensively
Emphasizes how much something occurs rather than its distribution.