broad mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broad mind" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is open-minded, tolerant, and accepting of different ideas and perspectives. Example: "Her broad mind allowed her to see the value in different cultural practices and beliefs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Gap-year travel may broaden the mind – but who needs a broad mind these days?

The Guardian

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

At Broad Daylight, Kirkbride and her team developed Broad Mind, a software product that helps companies build custom databases of responses to frequently-asked customer queries.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If Samsung can approach the payments industry with a broad mind and deliver MST technology to an ecosystem outside their own product range, it has the potential to be a significant player in the market.

The Guardian

Bring something to sit/lie on because there are stones, and also a broad mind because there are a few nudists and wild campers at the back of the beach near the archaeological temple remains.

The Guardian - Travel

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

I know, it's a big ask, but Guide readers have sophisticated, broad minds.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Against all odds, this film is hilarious, although enjoyment will depend on broad minds and strong stomachs.

The Guardian - Film

They tend to be Wasps ("Bob is fascinated and appalled by Wasps," McNear told me) with sharp tongues and broad minds.

The New Yorker

It's possible that many viewers (including the young Woody Allen) saw a shortened version that was peddled on the exploitation circuit as "A Picture for Wide Screens and Broad Minds".

The New York Times

Future Sound of Hip Hop, Queen Elizabeth Hall, 19 June Robert: I'm really excited about this and the acts we're putting on: Dalek, Cool Kids, Shape of Broad Minds and Flying Lotus.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "broad mind" when you want to emphasize someone's capacity to understand and appreciate diverse perspectives. It suggests intellectual generosity and a welcoming attitude towards new ideas.

Common error

Don't assume having a "broad mind" means accepting all ideas uncritically. Critical thinking and discernment are still essential, even with an open perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad mind" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a quality or attribute of a person, indicating their capacity for understanding and accepting diverse perspectives. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's generally considered correct for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "broad mind" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone who is open-minded and accepting of diverse perspectives. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. While the phrase is not exceedingly common, it appears across various contexts, including news, academia, and general writing. To enhance your writing, use "broad mind" when highlighting intellectual generosity and avoid equating it with uncritical acceptance. Alternatives like "open-mindedness" or "tolerance" can provide nuanced meanings, based on the specific case you may want to consider. Key sources include The Guardian and The New York Times, reflecting its broad applicability and presence in reputable publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

open-mindedness

Focuses on the characteristic of being receptive to new ideas.

tolerance

Emphasizes acceptance of differing views and behaviors.

intellectual flexibility

Highlights the ability to adapt one's thinking.

receptive attitude

Stresses the willingness to consider new information.

understanding nature

Suggests an empathetic approach to different perspectives.

accepting outlook

Indicates a positive and inclusive viewpoint.

liberal mindset

Conveys a progressive and tolerant perspective.

unconventional thinking

Emphasizes thinking outside traditional norms.

expansive viewpoint

Indicates a comprehensive and inclusive way of seeing things.

inclusive perspective

Highlights the inclusion of diverse ideas and people.

FAQs

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

You can use "broad mind" to describe someone who is open to new ideas, for example: "A successful leader needs a "broad mind" to consider different strategies effectively".

What are some synonyms for "broad mind"?

Alternatives include "open-mindedness", "tolerance", or "intellectual flexibility" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "broad mind" or "broader mind"?

"Broad mind" describes a general attribute of openness, while "broader mind" suggests a mind that has expanded its understanding over time or compared to a previous state. The choice depends on context.

What's the difference between "broad mind" and "narrow mind"?

"Broad mind" signifies receptiveness and understanding of diverse ideas, while "narrow mind" implies limited perspectives and resistance to new or different viewpoints.