broadest sense of the word

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broadest sense of the word" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the most inclusive or general interpretation of a term or concept. Example: "In the broadest sense of the word, art encompasses not only painting and sculpture but also music, dance, and literature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

They are, in the broadest sense of the word, mainstream.

The New York Times

That journey is a spiritual one in the broadest sense of the word.

The New York Times

Our dignity depends upon continence in the broadest sense of the word, and Arbus's subjects leak their souls.

The New Yorker

The goal of such fulfilled and balanced virtue was political, in the broadest sense of the word.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All the poetry, in the broadest sense of the word, that speaks to my imagination is English rather than British.

The Guardian - Opinion

"What I love and what gets me up is design, in the broadest sense of the word," he added.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

The obligation of citizenship--in the broadest sense of the word--is responsibility.

Los Angeles Times

Akuyoe says the purpose of the fledgling Spirit Awakening Foundation is twofold: To train teen-agers in autobiographical workshop techniques, and to fund education in the broadest sense of the word--college, travel, art courses or whatever pursuit will best aid the process of self-discovery.

Los Angeles Times

But he added that the arrangements also corrupt, in the broader sense of the word.

The New York Times

"We are talking about support in the broad sense of the word".

The New York Times

The fact remains that our place is not a farm, except in a broad sense of the word.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "broadest sense of the word" to ensure your audience understands you are considering all possible interpretations of a term or concept. This helps to avoid misunderstandings and encourages a comprehensive perspective.

Common error

While "broadest sense of the word" is useful, avoid using it excessively. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Opt for more concise or context-specific alternatives when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broadest sense of the word" typically functions as an adverbial modifier. It clarifies the scope of a term, indicating that it should be understood in its most inclusive or general meaning. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

27%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

11%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "broadest sense of the word" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that a term should be understood in its most inclusive or general meaning. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It serves to clarify the scope of a word or concept, preventing misinterpretations and encouraging comprehensive understanding. While suitable for diverse contexts, it is particularly frequent in news, media, and scientific writing. Consider alternatives such as "widest interpretation" or "most inclusive meaning" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most comprehensive meaning

Underscores the thoroughness of the meaning conveyed.

most general understanding

Stresses a non-specific and widely applicable comprehension.

most inclusive meaning

Highlights the all-encompassing nature of the definition.

most expansive definition

Emphasizes the extensive nature of the definition.

widest interpretation

Focuses on the scope of interpretation rather than the sense of a word.

fullest extent of the term

Indicates using the term to its maximum potential application.

largest possible scope

Shifts focus to the range covered by the term.

most liberal interpretation

Highlights a relaxed and open-minded understanding.

in its widest application

Focuses on practical application rather than theoretical meaning.

in the most extended meaning

Emphasizes that the meaning is being stretched to its furthest limit.

FAQs

How can I use "broadest sense of the word" in a sentence?

You can use "broadest sense of the word" to indicate that you are using a term in its most inclusive or general meaning. For example, "Art, in the "broadest sense of the word", encompasses painting, sculpture, music, and literature."

What phrases are similar to "broadest sense of the word"?

Similar phrases include "widest interpretation", "most inclusive meaning", or "most general understanding". The best alternative depends on the specific context and what aspect you want to emphasize.

When is it appropriate to use "broadest sense of the word"?

It's appropriate when you want to ensure that your audience understands you are considering all possible interpretations of a term or concept. Use it when the term has multiple meanings and you want to clarify that you are using the most inclusive one.

Is there a more formal alternative to "broadest sense of the word"?

While "broadest sense of the word" is generally acceptable in formal writing, you could consider alternatives like "most comprehensive meaning" or "most expansive definition" for a slightly more formal tone. The choice depends on the specific context and your desired level of formality.