n.
Pronunciation: ' bro ̇ d
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English brood, from Old English br ā d; akin to Old High German breit broad
Date: before 12th century
1 a : having ample extent from side to side or between limits < broad shoulders> b : having a specified extension from side to side <made the path 10 feet broad >
2 : extending far and wide : SPACIOUS <the broad plains>
3 a : OPEN , FULL < broad daylight> b : PLAIN , OBVIOUS <a broad hint>
4 : dialectal especially in pronunciation
5 : marked by lack of restraint, delicacy, or subtlety: a obsolete : OUTSPOKEN b : COARSE , RISQUÉ < broad humor>
6 of a vowel : OPEN ― used specifically of a pronounced as in father
7 a : LIBERAL , TOLERANT < broad views> b : widely applicable or applied : GENERAL <a broad rule>
8 : relating to the main or essential points < broad outlines>
– broad · ly adverb
– broad · ness noun
synonyms BROAD , WIDE , DEEP mean having horizontal extent. BROAD and WIDE apply to a surface measured or viewed from side to side <a broad avenue>. WIDE is more common when units of measurement are mentioned <rugs eight feet wide > or applied to unfilled space between limits <a wide doorway>. BROAD is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered < broad shoulders>. DEEP may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point <a deep cupboard> < deep woods>.