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Widespread - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Widespread means existing or happening over a large area or among many people. It describes something that is common, extensive, or far-reaching, such as a widespread belief or a widespread problem.

widespread

/ˈwaɪdˌsprɛd/ /ˈwaɪdˌsprɛd/

Definition:

Existing or happening over a large area or among many people.

Synonyms:

extensive, prevalent, ubiquitous, far-reaching

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

limited, rare

Common Collocations:

widespread use, widespread support, widespread damage, widespread belief, widespread concern

Derivatives:

widely (adverb), wideness (noun)

Usage Tips:

Use "widespread" to describe something affecting many places or people, not just isolated instances.

Common Phrases:

widespread panic, widespread acceptance, widespread influence

Etymology:

From Old English "wīd" (wide) + "spredan" (to spread), meaning broadly distributed.

Examples:

  • 1. The news of the discovery caused widespread excitement among scientists.
  • 2. Pollution has led to widespread damage to marine life in the region.
  • 3. The disease became widespread due to lack of proper healthcare measures.
  • 4. There is widespread agreement that climate change requires urgent action globally.

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