broadly

Everyday

1. In a general way, without all the details, as in «broadly speaking». tree →
2. Widely and openly, as in «she smiled broadly» (a big, wide smile). tree →
3. Mostly or on the whole, as in «I broadly agree». tree →

In the lessons

In school writing and exams it helps you summarise: «broadly speaking», «broadly similar». In science and maths reports it means roughly or in general. In stories, «grinned broadly» tells the reader someone is very happy.

Examples

• Broadly speaking, our class enjoyed the trip. tree →
• He smiled broadly when he got his medal. tree →
• The two results were broadly the same. tree →
• I broadly agree with your idea. tree →
• The plan was broadly accepted by the council. tree →
• Broadly, plants need light, water and air. tree →
• She grinned broadly at the joke. tree →

Note

Adverb from «broad» (wide). «Broadly speaking» is a fixed phrase meaning «in general». In maths results, «broadly the same» means close, but not exactly equal.