breadth of mind

USAGE SUMMARY

"breadth of mind" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiomatic phrase that means "an open-minded ability to consider many different perspectives". You can use it in formal contexts such as essays, reports, and other types of written communication. For example: "The professor's breadth of mind allowed him to consider all solutions presented in the class, ensuring the best outcome for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

This critique puts her among some good company, including the late Nobel laureate Czeslaw Milosz, and many of her students revere her for her breadth of mind.

The New York Times - Magazine

But we particularly like people with a world view and breadth of mind, an active interest in different cultures and a friendly curiosity about what's going on in the world.

The Guardian

Twelve-year-old Huang Yibo has already achieved high office in the Young Pioneers of China (a primary school branch of the Communist Youth League), and his blog – named Qiankun Ruxiu, Chinese for "the breadth of mind is as wide as heaven and earth" – has received a reported 1.2 million visitors in the past few days.

Independent

Although he says, "I think Ghana is still home," he tends not to speak of himself so much as a Ghanaian but, more universally, as an African — an inheritance he characterizes fondly and selectively as a deliberative approach to life, marked always by a breadth of mind and generosity of spirit.

The New Yorker

The best of them also have the breadth of mind to join the dots between health and broader societal issues.

Forbes

White was struck by not only his generosity, but also "his breadth of mind".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But such moves run counter to a growing awareness that in a world of rapid change and contending cultures, the breadth and flexibility of mind fostered by the liberal arts may offer a unique competitive advantage.

The New York Times

Mr. Coover says he can see the clarity of Lincoln's thinking, the breadth of Jefferson's mind and the strength of character in Washington.

The New York Times

Joe's extraordinary breadth of knowledge, creative mind, and seemingly inexhaustible energy have pushed the Journal to consider methods of communication and scientific and social topics that are essential to inspire the next generation of young people who aspire to improve global health through research and education.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

Kermode's breadth of reference and extraordinary flexibility of mind helped to fashion a career which was, at every stage, out of step with conventional academic rhythms.

The Guardian - Books

His longtime friend, the former journalist Christopher Roper, told me, "It is impossible to think of a Latin-American head of state over the past hundred years with the intellectual distinction, independence of mind, and cultural breadth of P.P.K".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's ability to understand diverse viewpoints, use "breadth of mind" to emphasize their intellectual capacity and open-mindedness. For example, "Her breadth of mind allowed her to navigate complex ethical dilemmas".

Common error

Avoid using "breadth of mind" when you actually intend to describe someone who is unwilling to consider different viewpoints. The opposite of "breadth of mind" is "narrow-mindedness", which describes a lack of open-mindedness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breadth of mind" functions as a noun phrase that describes a quality or characteristic. As confirmed by Ludwig, it signifies an open-minded ability to consider diverse perspectives. Examples show it being used to praise individuals and describe desirable qualities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "breadth of mind" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that signifies an open-minded ability to consider diverse perspectives, as stated by Ludwig. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and is used to express admiration for someone's intellectual capacity and open-mindedness. Ludwig's analysis of examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian suggests the phrase is most common in news media, Wikipedia and scientific contexts but also applicable to formal and informal contexts. Keep in mind that its opposite is "narrow-mindedness" and it shouldn't be confused when you need to express close-mindedness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broad perspective

Focuses on having a wide viewpoint, similar to "breadth of mind" but less directly related to intellectual capacity.

expansive mindset

Highlights a flexible and open way of thinking, similar to "breadth of mind" in terms of open-mindedness but emphasizes attitude.

open-mindedness

Focuses on being receptive to new ideas, differing from "breadth of mind" which emphasizes a wider intellectual scope.

open-minded approach

Highlights a receptive and unbiased way of tackling problems, slightly different from the all-encompassing view of "breadth of mind".

wide intellectual horizon

Emphasizes the scope of intellectual interests, similar to "breadth of mind" but more metaphorical.

comprehensive understanding

Highlights a complete grasp of a subject, while "breadth of mind" focuses more on the ability to consider multiple perspectives.

versatility of thought

Emphasizes the ability to adapt one's thinking, a more dynamic concept than "breadth of mind" which focuses on scope.

intellectual capacity

Highlights the ability to understand complex ideas, shifting the focus from open-mindedness to cognitive power compared to "breadth of mind".

understanding

Stresses comprehension and empathy, a more general term than the more specific "breadth of mind".

tolerance

Emphasizes acceptance of differing views, which is related to, but not the same as, the broad intellectual scope implied by "breadth of mind".

FAQs

How can I use "breadth of mind" in a sentence?

You can use "breadth of mind" to describe someone's ability to understand and consider various perspectives. For example, "The professor was admired for her breadth of mind and willingness to engage with opposing viewpoints."

What is the difference between "breadth of mind" and "open-mindedness"?

"Breadth of mind" refers to a broad understanding and acceptance of different ideas, while "open-mindedness" primarily means being receptive to new ideas. "Breadth of mind" suggests a more comprehensive intellectual capacity.

What are some synonyms for "breadth of mind"?

Some synonyms for "breadth of mind" include "intellectual capacity", "broad perspective", and "expansive mindset".

Is "breadth of mind" a formal or informal expression?

"Breadth of mind" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its use depends on the overall tone of your writing, as it is a relatively sophisticated and descriptive phrase.