"Broad" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers
The word "broad" has several meanings depending on the context.
As an adjective, "broad" can describe something that is wide or wide-ranging:
"She is a broad-shouldered woman." (meaning she has wide shoulders)
"The broad highway stretched out before us." (meaning the highway was wide and expansive)
In Informal English, "broad" can also be used to describe something that is liberal or tolerant:
"She's a broad-minded person." (meaning she is open-minded and accepting)
"The university has a broad curriculum." (meaning the curriculum is diverse and covers a wide range of subjects)
In Sports, "broad" can also refer to a baseball or cricket bat that is wide and flat:
"He swung a broad bat and hit the ball out of the park." (meaning the bat was wide and flat and helped him hit the ball well)
In some regions, "broad" can also refer to a street or road:
"I'm going down Broad Street to grab a coffee." (meaning the person is going to a street called Broad Street)
In American English, "broad" can also be used as a slang term to refer to a woman, often with a condescending or derogatory tone:
"That broad is really cute." (meaning the speaker is referring to a woman, but this usage is often considered offensive or disrespectful)
In general, the core meaning of "broad" is something that is wide, big, or expansive, and it can be used in various contexts to convey different shades of meaning.
Descriptive phrase "broad-backed" typically refers to someone or something with a wide, sturdy, and strong back. It may be used to describe animals, such as horses or bears, that have a powerful build and a robust back. In human context, it might describe an individual with a robust build and strong upper body, often associated with physical strength or athletic ability. The phrase can also be metaphorically applied to describe someone with a confidence and broad-mindedness, literally meaning they have a "broad back" to bear the weight of challenges and responsibilities.
Broad-based refers to something that is widespread, covering a wide range or reaching a large number of people, places, or things. It can also describe a strategy, approach, or policy that is comprehensive, inclusive, and covers a variety of aspects or areas.
Having or characteristic of leaves that are wide and flat, often referring to deciduous trees or shrubs, particularly those in the families Fagaceae (beech, oak, chestnut), Aceraceae (maple), and Ulmaceae (elm).
Having a broad-minded attitude refers to being open-minded, tolerant, and willing to consider different points of view, ideas, and perspectives, especially when they contradict one's own. A broad-minded person is receptive to new information, willing to learn, and able to accept and appreciate diverse opinions and cultures.
In a broad-mindedly manner means being open-minded, tolerant, and unbiased. It refers to having a wide range of interests, being accepting of different cultures, opinions, and ideas, and not being narrowly focused or rigid in one's views.
Broad-mindedness is the quality of having an open and unrestricted mind, often characterized by a willingness to consider new ideas, perspectives, and opinions. It means being able to think critically and objectively, without being limited by one's own biases, prejudices, or dogmatic views. A person with broad-mindedness is able to approach issues from different angles, accept different points of view, and adapt to new information and experiences. This quality is often associated with tolerance, empathy, and a willingness to learn from others.
Having a broad, robust, or sturdy physique, especially in the shoulders; having a strong and powerful build.
Broadband refers to a type of high-speed internet connection that is capable of transmitting data at high rates over a wide range of frequencies. It is typically available to consumers and businesses through a physical connection to a digital subscriber line (DSL) network, cable modem, or fiber-optic connection. Broadband internet is characterized by a fast data transfer rate, typically measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps), and is often used for applications that require high-speed data transmission, such as streaming video, online gaming, and cloud computing.
Broadbanding refers to the process of merging or grouping similar job categories or pay grades into a broader, higher-paying category, often to simplify compensation structures and to reduce the number of job titles within an organization. This can be done to eliminate small pay discrepancies, improve job simplicity, and enhance employee career progression.