Widespread Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🌎

Add to dictionary

widespread

[ˈwaɪdˌsprɛd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

across many areas

Existing or happening over a large area or among many people. Extending over a wide area or occurring in many places. Widely circulated or diffused.

Synonyms

common, prevalent, universal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
widespread	Describes something that is extensively distributed or found in many parts of a large area, such as an issue or phenomenon. The use of smartphones is widespread in modern society Reports of the disease are widespread across the country
common	Used when referring to something that happens often or is normal and usual, especially in everyday situations. It's common to see people working from cafes Misunderstandings are common in any new relationship
prevalent	Refers to something that is very common in a particular area or among a particular group at a certain time. Often used when discussing cultural, social, or medical issues. Obesity is prevalent among adults in this region The belief is prevalent among traditional communities
universal	Describes something that is true or applicable to all members of a group or in all situations, often used in a philosophical, theoretical, or global context. The desire for happiness is a universal human trait Education is a universal right for all children

Examples of usage

The disease was widespread throughout the country.
His novels have gained widespread popularity.
The company has a widespread reputation for quality.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

in a wide-ranging manner

In a wide-ranging or comprehensive manner. Extensively or broadly.

Synonyms

broadly, extensively.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
widespread	Appropriate for describing something that is common or prevalent over a large area or among many people. The flu outbreak was widespread, affecting millions of people globally. There is widespread support for the new policy.
extensively	Best used when referring to something that has been done thoroughly and in great detail, over a large area, or for a long duration. The research was extensively reviewed before publication. She traveled extensively across Europe.
broadly	Used when talking about something in a general sense or covering a broad range of aspects. Broadly speaking, the new initiative has been successful. The topic was discussed broadly, covering various perspectives.

Word

Description / Examples

widespread

Appropriate for describing something that is common or prevalent over a large area or among many people.

The flu outbreak was widespread, affecting millions of people globally.
There is widespread support for the new policy.

extensively

Best used when referring to something that has been done thoroughly and in great detail, over a large area, or for a long duration.

The research was extensively reviewed before publication.
She traveled extensively across Europe.

broadly

Used when talking about something in a general sense or covering a broad range of aspects.

Broadly speaking, the new initiative has been successful.
The topic was discussed broadly, covering various perspectives.

Examples of usage

The information was distributed widespread throughout the organization.
She traveled widespread to gather data for her research.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

In ecology, the term is used to describe species that adapt and thrive in various environments, affecting ecosystems significantly.
Epidemiology often uses the word to describe illnesses that affect large populations across different regions.
Widespread phenomena are important in climate science to track changes that have global impacts, such as temperature increases.

Pop Culture

Widespread popularity of social media has changed how we communicate, creating global connections instantly.
Certain trends in fashion or music often start in one area and rapidly become widespread, influencing culture worldwide.
In literature, a novel can gain widespread acclaim, impacting generations of readers and inspiring adaptations into films.

Psychology

The widespread effect relates to how common behaviors or ideas can influence social norms and individual choices.
Research shows that widespread anxiety can have collective effects on communities, altering how people interact or respond to stress.
Social proof is a psychological phenomenon where widespread behaviors are adopted because they are perceived as the norm.

History

Throughout history, widespread movements, like the Civil Rights movement, have shaped laws and societal attitudes.
The printing press enabled the widespread dissemination of information, revolutionizing the way knowledge was shared in Europe.
World events such as wars or technological advances can lead to widespread changes in economies and governments across nations.

Origin of 'widespread'

Main points about word origin

The word combines 'wide', meaning broad or far-reaching, with 'spread', originating from the Old English 'spreadan', meaning to extend.
It entered the English language in the mid-19th century to describe things that were not only broadly distributed but also popular.
The structure of the word suggests an action (to spread) performed over a large area.

The word 'widespread' originated in the early 17th century from the combination of 'wide' and 'spread'. It has been used to describe something existing or happening over a large area or among many people, indicating broad coverage or diffusion. The term has evolved over time to encompass the idea of something being widely circulated or prevalent across different regions or groups.

See also: widely, widen, widening, width.