Worldwide: meaning, definitions and examples

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worldwide

 

[ ˈwɜː.rld.waɪd ]

Adverb / Adjective / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adverb

adverb of place

Extending or reaching throughout the world; global in extent or application.

Synonyms

global, international, universal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
worldwide

This word is used to describe something that spans the entire world. It is often used for businesses, events, or phenomena that are present or recognized everywhere on the planet.

  • The internet allows for worldwide communication.
  • Our company has launched a worldwide marketing campaign.
global

This word is often used in a business, economic, or environmental context. It refers to something that involves or affects the whole world. It is also commonly used in discussions about large-scale issues like climate change, economics, or geopolitical events.

  • Global warming is a critical challenge for our time.
  • The company expanded its global operations last year.
international

This word describes something that involves more than one country or is recognized beyond the borders of a single country. It is frequently used in the context of travel, business, law, relationships between countries, and multicultural events.

  • The conference attracted international participants.
  • She works for an international law firm.
universal

This word is used to describe something that is true or applies to all people or things in all situations, not just globally but in a more absolute way. It is often used in philosophical, moral, or scientific contexts.

  • Love is considered a universal emotion.
  • The theory has universal applicability across different fields.

Examples of usage

  • It is a worldwide problem that needs to be addressed.
  • The company has a worldwide reputation for quality products.
Context #2 | Adjective

describing something that affects or involves the whole world

Affecting or involving the whole world; global.

Synonyms

global, international, universal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
worldwide

Used when referring to something that spans across the entire world. Commonly used in business, marketing, and news.

  • The company has a worldwide reputation for quality.
  • The disease spread worldwide within months.
global

Often used in a more formal or academic context. It emphasizes a holistic view of the world, considering all regions collectively.

  • Climate change is a global issue that requires global solutions.
  • She works for a global financial firm.
international

Used to describe something that involves multiple countries. Often used in contexts related to politics, travel, business, and relations between nations.

  • The international conference will be attended by delegates from over 50 countries.
  • He is studying international law.
universal

Implies something that is applicable or relevant to all people or things, often used in philosophical or theoretical discussions. It can also reflect something that is widely accepted or embraced.

  • Human rights are considered universal and inalienable.
  • The film received universal acclaim.

Examples of usage

  • The pandemic had a worldwide impact on economies.
  • The event was broadcasted worldwide.
Context #3 | Noun

describing an organization that operates across the world

An organization or company that operates in several countries or all over the world.

Synonyms

global, international, multinational.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
worldwide

Used when talking about something that affects or involves all parts of the world.

  • The internet has made communication worldwide.
  • The pandemic had worldwide impacts on travel and commerce.
global

Used to describe something that pertains to the entire Earth or is extensive across many nations. Often used in context of issues and trends.

  • Climate change is a global issue.
  • The company launched a global marketing campaign.
international

Used when different countries or their citizens are involved or when referring to relations between nations.

  • She studies international law.
  • They attended an international conference.
multinational

Used to describe a business that operates in multiple countries or something that involves several nations, usually within a corporate context.

  • The multinational corporation has offices in over 50 countries.
  • He got a job at a multinational company.

Examples of usage

  • The company has become a worldwide leader in technology.
  • They have offices worldwide.

Translations

Translations of the word "worldwide" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mundial

🇮🇳 विश्वव्यापी

🇩🇪 weltweit

🇮🇩 seluruh dunia

🇺🇦 світовий

🇵🇱 światowy

🇯🇵 世界的

🇫🇷 mondial

🇪🇸 mundial

🇹🇷 dünya çapında

🇰🇷 전 세계적인

🇸🇦 عالمي

🇨🇿 celosvětový

🇸🇰 celosvetový

🇨🇳 全球的

🇸🇮 svetovni

🇮🇸 um allan heim

🇰🇿 дүниежүзілік

🇬🇪 მსოფლიოს

🇦🇿 dünya miqyasında

🇲🇽 mundial

Etymology

The word 'worldwide' originated in the late 19th century as a combination of 'world' and 'wide,' emphasizing its global reach or impact. The term gained popularity with the increasing interconnectedness of the world through trade, communication, and travel. Today, 'worldwide' is commonly used to describe something that extends throughout the world or involves multiple countries.

See also: netherworld, otherworldly, underworld, world, worldly, worldview.