widely different

USAGE SUMMARY

"widely different" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the great difference between two or more things. For example: "The students' opinions on the subject were widely different."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The answers have been widely different.

The New York Times

Neighboring countries have widely different attitudes toward foreign intervention.

The New York Times

Magazine editors often have widely different interpretations of these standards.

The New York Times - Arts

Gender studies is an all-embracing term covering courses with widely different content.

The Guardian

It said it would not merge the carmakers, which appeal to widely different automotive buyers.

The New York Times

Families who have explored their chances for return in recent weeks tell widely different stories.

The New York Times

Other post-Soviet financiers have used Britain's secret offshore facilities for widely different purposes.

The Guardian

So I studied widely different styles of dance with Katherine Dunham and Hanya Holm".

The New York Times

It is obvious that our social spheres have been widely different".

The Guardian - Opinion

In other passages, too, the second edition tells a widely different story from the first.

The New Yorker

By 52, he had worked in five widely different professions, using three different names.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "widely different" to emphasize a significant level of disparity or variation between items, ideas, or concepts. For clarity, specify the aspect in which they differ, such as "widely different opinions" or "widely different approaches."

Common error

Avoid using "widely different" without clearly specifying what is being compared or the context of the difference. Instead of saying "the results were widely different", specify what results are being discussed and what aspect differed: "The results for male and female participants were widely different in terms of reaction time."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widely different" primarily functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, emphasizing the significant degree of dissimilarity between two or more entities. It indicates that the differences are substantial and easily noticeable, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

6%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "widely different" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for emphasizing substantial differences. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as an adjective phrase and is versatile across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic writing. While generally neutral in register, its impact is strongest when the context of the difference is clearly specified. Alternatives like "considerably dissimilar" or "significantly varying" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Remember to provide clear context to avoid ambiguity and maximize the impact of this descriptive phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerably dissimilar

Emphasizes the substantial degree of difference.

significantly varying

Highlights the variation and its significance.

markedly distinct

Stresses the clear and noticeable distinction.

vastly diverse

Focuses on the broad range and variety of differences.

poles apart

Suggests an extreme level of difference, being at opposite ends.

entirely unlike

Emphasizes the complete lack of similarity.

distinctly contrasting

Highlights the contrast between different elements.

worlds apart

Similar to 'poles apart' but implies different environments or experiences.

radically divergent

Focuses on the divergence and its fundamental or extreme nature.

fundamentally different

Highlights that the difference affects essential aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "widely different" in a sentence?

You can use "widely different" to describe things that vary greatly. For instance, "The two cultures have "widely different" customs" or "The survey revealed "widely different" opinions on the matter".

What phrases are similar to "widely different"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "considerably dissimilar", "significantly varying", or "markedly distinct". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "very different" or "widely different"?

"Widely different" emphasizes a greater degree of difference than "very different". Use "widely different" when you want to highlight a substantial divergence.

When should I avoid using the phrase "widely different"?

Avoid using "widely different" if the difference is minimal or insignificant. In such cases, phrases like "slightly different" or "somewhat different" would be more appropriate.