a broad mind

USAGE SUMMARY

'a broad mind' is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
You can use it when talking about a person who has an open and accepting attitude towards different points of view or ways of life. For example, "The headmaster showed a broad mind throughout the heated debate, considering all viewpoints before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It takes a broad mind to read this farce as an expression of girl power - and a particularly earn-est troupe of schoolgirls to believe it.

The Guardian - Books

Read with a broad mind, pray, speak with others, and take the time to try and understand what the original writers' views were.

WikiHow

Although you might like the fashion of a certain era, it pays to have a broad mind when hunting for vintage clothing because you never know what you might unearth that you "just have to have" even if it doesn't fall within your idea of the era of vintage clothing you prefer.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

For Alice Evans, the Scandinavian experience offers more than the UK: "Broader choices academically and a broader mind in terms of the rest of the world".

Independent

Suddenly he's being accused of a crime he didn't commit, thrown in jail and stripped of his livelihood -- events which, this being a movie, cause him to develop a broader mind.

The New York Times

Michel Richard, long considered one of the city's pre-eminent chefs, has no such fears, noting that Mr. Obama had "spent some time in Indonesia, spent some time in Hawaii and he travels, he has a broader mind, and he's going to try different types of cuisine".

The New York Times - Food

It gives me a broader mind.

Huffington Post

While quality teaching is certainly paramount to improving the lives of our youth, a broader mind-set about what schools can do, and the resources and freedom to do it, are also needed.

The New York Times

"Companies are looking for ambitious individuals with a broader mind-set, those who can generate creativity," he said.

BBC

In 1940 Rodgers and Hart wrote a song about her in their musical Pal Joey: Zip! satirises "a broad with a broad, broad mind" who spouts Schopenhauer while she unzips (disregarding the fact that Lee shunned zippers as "common").

The Guardian

This is adult stuff that requires a very broad mind as well as patience.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "a broad mind" with actions or decisions that exemplify open-mindedness. For example, "The senator demonstrated a broad mind by voting in favor of the bipartisan bill after carefully considering the arguments from both sides."

Common error

Avoid implying that having "a broad mind" requires agreeing with every perspective. Instead, emphasize the ability to understand and respect diverse viewpoints, even when disagreeing. Don't say, "Having a broad mind means accepting all opinions as equally valid." Instead, say, "Having a broad mind means understanding the reasoning behind different opinions, even if you disagree with them."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broad mind" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition to describe a characteristic or quality. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase describes a positive attribute, indicating someone who is open to diverse perspectives and ideas.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a broad mind" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe someone who is open-minded, receptive to new ideas, and understanding of diverse perspectives. Ludwig AI's analysis highlights that this phrase is suitable for various contexts, including news, media, academic, and everyday conversations. While "a broad mind" is generally a positive attribute, it's important to remember that it signifies understanding and respect, not necessarily agreement, with differing viewpoints. Alternatives like "an open mind" or "a receptive mind" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an open mind

Focuses on receptiveness to new ideas and perspectives, rather than intellectual capacity.

a receptive mind

Highlights the ability to readily accept and understand new information.

an expansive intellect

Emphasizes the intellectual capacity and scope of understanding.

a tolerant attitude

Stresses acceptance of diverse viewpoints and behaviors, which is a behavioral trait rather than an intellectual one.

a liberal outlook

Suggests a progressive and open-minded perspective on societal issues.

a flexible mindset

Emphasizes adaptability and willingness to change one's views.

a comprehensive understanding

Focuses on having a thorough and complete grasp of a subject or situation.

an inclusive perspective

Highlights the consideration and acceptance of diverse groups and ideas.

a world view

Focuses on having a wide understanding of world events

a developed intellect

Focuses on the high capacity of the mind

FAQs

How can I use "a broad mind" in a sentence?

You can use "a broad mind" to describe someone who is open to new ideas and perspectives. For example, "The professor encouraged students to approach the topic with "an open mind" and consider all sides of the issue".

What does it mean to have "a broad mind"?

Having "a broad mind" means being receptive to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. It involves being open-minded and willing to consider different viewpoints, even if they differ from your own.

What are some alternatives to saying "a broad mind"?

Some alternatives to "a broad mind" include "an open mind", "a receptive mind", and "a tolerant attitude". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a broad mind" the same as "a closed mind"?

No, "a broad mind" and "a closed mind" are opposites. "A broad mind" signifies openness and receptivity, while "a closed mind" indicates resistance to new ideas and perspectives.