breadth of meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "breadth of meaning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the extent or range of interpretations or significance that a word, phrase, or concept may have. Example: "The word 'freedom' has a remarkable breadth of meaning, encompassing various interpretations across different cultures and contexts."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

If the previous use of the word was tiresomely pretentious, its present breadth of meaning shows that while the government does indeed care for the arts - and funds them - it prefers not to say so too openly.

The Guardian - Arts

But the New Testament idea of faith is not simple; indeed, it possesses a breadth of meaning that has led to varying understandings, even within a single Christian communion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Taken by themselves, the interruptions have a potential breadth of meaning that seems extremely small; they may indicate the presence of an individual in a room, an impatience, agreement, or disagreement with some aspect of the environment, or, in the case of a scream for help, a critical situation demanding attention.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For example, the Anxiety item 'I feel nervous and anxious' and the Energy item 'I feel tired, worn out, used up, or exhausted' required additional words in the Japanese translation to capture the breadth of meaning of the English original.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

The following issues were considered in developing the short-form: the balance of positive and negatively worded items across the scale and within subscales, content of the items (ensuring that the items cover the breadth of meaning of the construct being measured), Cronbach's alpha, and finally, factor loadings on the three-factor solution.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The fairest label to apply to McKeon, say his defenders, is that of "systematic pluralist": a thinker who allowed-indeed, demanded-a breadth of meanings, terms, and propositions so multifaceted that no one analysis or philosophic system was uniquely true.

University of Chicago

Contrary to Justice STEVENS' cramped reading of this last finding, see post, at 245, n. 13, the breadth of its meaning equals the breadth of its language.

Cornell University

Interestingly, genes in the single-copy family group had the highest levels of expression breadth, meaning that they were widely expressed in most or all tissues (P < 2.2e−, one-sided Mann–Whitney U test).

Genome Biology and Evolution

For sheer breadth, meaning everything from sonic magnificence to emotional scope, the Bruckner Eighth was the clear highlight, largely because of the deft balance between the tragic and the seductive that Mr. Haitink and the players negotiated.

The New York Times - Arts

In probing her vast cultural legacy, the exhibition asks viewers to consider what Winfrey means to them, and the breadth of the objects suggests that, like her ever-evolving career, that meaning will continue to change.

HuffPost

But they disagree about virtually every other aspect of the legislation, from its meaning and purpose to the breadth of its application.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the interpretations of a complex concept, use "breadth of meaning" to highlight the wide range of understandings it encompasses. For example, in discussing 'justice', mention its "breadth of meaning" to acknowledge its diverse interpretations across cultures and legal systems.

Common error

Avoid using "breadth of meaning" when you actually intend to convey the complexity or profundity of a single interpretation. "Breadth" refers to the range of meanings, while "depth" relates to the intricacies of a specific meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breadth of meaning" functions as a noun phrase. It describes the extent of possible interpretations or significances associated with a word, concept, or symbol, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

20%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "breadth of meaning" describes the range of interpretations a word, phrase, or concept possesses. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct, but relatively rare in everyday usage. It is most commonly found in academic, scientific, and news contexts. While the phrase itself is fairly straightforward, it's important to distinguish "breadth" from "depth" when discussing meaning. Alternative phrases like "scope of meaning" or "range of interpretation" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Scope of meaning

Highlights the extent to which a meaning can be applied.

Spectrum of meaning

Highlights the range of different meanings on a continuous scale.

Extent of meaning

Stresses the degree to which a meaning is applicable or valid.

Range of interpretation

Emphasizes the spectrum of possible understandings.

Variety of meaning

Emphasizes the different kinds of meanings that can be associated with something.

Diversity of meaning

Focuses on the variety of interpretations rather than the overall range.

Degree of meaning

Refers to the intensity or strength of a particular meaning.

Depth of meaning

Implies a deeper, more profound understanding rather than a wide one.

Significance of meaning

Focuses on the importance or relevance of a particular meaning.

Richness of meaning

Suggests a full and complex set of implications and connotations.

FAQs

How can I describe the different interpretations a word has?

You can describe the different interpretations a word has using the phrase "breadth of meaning", which indicates the wide range of possible understandings. Alternatively, consider using "scope of interpretation" or "diversity of meaning".

What's the difference between "breadth of meaning" and "depth of meaning"?

"Breadth of meaning" refers to the range and variety of interpretations a word or concept can have. "Depth of meaning", on the other hand, refers to the complexity and profundity of a single, specific interpretation.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "breadth of meaning"?

The phrase "breadth of meaning" is appropriate in contexts where you're discussing the multiple interpretations or the wide-ranging significance of a term or concept. This often occurs in academic discussions, legal analyses, or cultural studies.

What are some alternatives to "breadth of meaning" that I can use in my writing?

Several alternatives exist, including "scope of meaning", "range of interpretation", and "variety of meaning". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.