/wuyd"lee/ , adv.
1. to a wide extent.
2. over a wide space or area: a widely distributed plant.
3. by or among a large number of persons: a widely known artist.
4. in many or various subjects, cases, etc.: to be widely read.
5. greatly, very much, or very: widely differing accounts of an event.
[ 1655-65; WIDE + -LY ]