has a wider meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has a wider meaning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the broader implications or interpretations of a word, phrase, or concept. Example: "The term 'freedom' has a wider meaning that encompasses not just the absence of constraints, but also the presence of opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Mickelson now continually finds his voice has a wider meaning.

The Guardian - Sport

However, I think that "true" has a wider meaning in some contexts, and I hope that you can extend the definition to include the text in question, if only to dispel your disappointment.

Los Angeles Times

However, corruption in health care has a wider meaning and includes not only informal patient payments, but also informal (illegal) payments to physicians and/or officials initiated by pharmaceutical companies (or other actors) for own, mainly financial benefits.

BMC Health Services Research

White [ 12] also sees "remission" as only the elimination of AOD-related problems, while "recovery" has a wider meaning, covering "global health -- "remission" and health in physical, cognitive, emotional, interpersonal, educational/vocational and ontological terms.

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The solemn church holiday has a wide meaning for many Poles who lost relatives during World War II.

The New York Times

De Re Metallica, literally translated, means "On the Nature of Metals," but the word metal had a wider meaning at the time, and meant any mineral.

University of California, Berkeley

TD: There are films that can only be made in a specific country but that have a wider meaning.

The Guardian - Film

The stories may be specific to Israel and its occupation of the Palestinian territories but they have a wider meaning, providing an invaluable resource that describes not just the nature of Israel's occupation but of how occupying soldiers behave more generally.

The Guardian

It must be noted that, during the last three decades, sensitization has assumed a wider meaning than habituation.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Sherwood also has a wider focus than STBF, meaning that Susie Buffett is going to be influencing a lot of funding areas, given the foundation's expanded assets.

Huffington Post

The holiday started out as a way to commemorate the Mexican victory against the better-armed French in the Battle of Puebla in 1862, but it has taken on a wider meaning, having become a celebration of Mexican culture in general.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "has a wider meaning", ensure the context clarifies what that wider meaning encompasses to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The term 'justice' has a wider meaning", specify what aspects or interpretations broaden its scope.

Common error

Avoid using "has a wider meaning" when a more specific or nuanced explanation is necessary. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound vague if you don't clarify the extended implications or interpretations you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has a wider meaning" functions as a qualifier, adding depth to the understanding of a term or concept. It signals that the subject in question encompasses more than its initial or literal interpretation, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has a wider meaning" serves as a crucial indicator that a word or concept's significance extends beyond its basic definition. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and used across diverse contexts, predominantly in news, science, and academia. While the phrase itself is relatively simple, it is important to clarify what constitutes the "wider" meaning to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "carries a broader sense" or "possesses a greater significance" can be used to subtly shift the emphasis. By understanding its function and application, writers can effectively use "has a wider meaning" to encourage deeper engagement with their subject matter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carries a broader sense

Replaces "wider meaning" with "broader sense", focusing on the scope of understanding.

possesses a greater significance

Substitutes "wider meaning" with "greater significance", highlighting the importance or relevance.

encompasses a broader scope

Emphasizes that the subject covers more ground or aspects.

implies more than it states

Focuses on the indirect communication of additional meaning.

is open to broader interpretation

Highlights the flexibility and variety of possible understandings.

has broader implications

Focuses on the consequences or effects that extend beyond the immediate context.

extends beyond the literal

Indicates that the subject's meaning goes beyond its dictionary definition.

is not limited to a single definition

Emphasizes the multifaceted nature of the subject's meaning.

presents a multifaceted interpretation

Highlights that the phrase allows for multiple explanations or understandings.

offers a richer understanding

Suggests a more profound and complete comprehension is possible.

FAQs

What does it mean for a word to "have a wider meaning"?

When a word or concept "has a wider meaning", it signifies that its implications or interpretations extend beyond its basic or commonly understood definition. It suggests a broader scope of understanding or application.

How can I use "has a wider meaning" in a sentence?

You can use "has a wider meaning" to indicate that a term's significance goes beyond its literal or initial interpretation. For example: "The concept of 'sustainability' "has a wider meaning" than just environmental protection; it also includes economic and social factors."

What are some alternatives to saying a concept "has a wider meaning"?

Alternatives include "carries a broader sense", "possesses a greater significance", or "encompasses a broader scope", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "has a wider meaning" or "has a deeper meaning"?

The choice between "has a wider meaning" and "has a deeper meaning" depends on the context. "Has a wider meaning" suggests a broader scope or application, while "has a deeper meaning" implies a more profound or less obvious interpretation.