widely respected

USAGE SUMMARY

"widely respected" is a correct and usable phrase in written English, and can typically be used to describe someone or something that has earned a high level of regard from the general public.
For example, you could say "John is widely respected in his field for his dedication and hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And that makes her widely respected".

Independent

Widely respected and admired friend.

The New York Times

She was widely respected by litigants.

The Guardian

Remember when Dawkins was widely respected?

The Guardian - Opinion

"France is a large country, widely respected around the world.

Independent

A retired software executive, he was widely respected within Anonymous.

The New Yorker

He had been widely respected in the capital.

The Economist

He is still widely respected for bringing peace without revenge.

The Economist

They had a good following and were widely respected.

The New York Times

John McCain is a widely respected Republican senator.

The Guardian - Opinion

(Dinkins says, "Barry is widely respected for his personal characteristics").

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "widely respected" to emphasize the broad recognition and positive regard someone or something receives within a community or field. It's stronger than simply saying "respected."

Common error

While generally appropriate, avoid overusing "widely respected" in formal writing. Consider stronger, more specific synonyms like "preeminent", "authoritative", or "renowned" to add nuance and precision to your descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widely respected" functions as a descriptive adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that the person, entity, or idea is held in high regard by a large number of people. Ludwig AI confirms it as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "widely respected" is a common and effective way to describe someone or something held in high regard by many. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, consider whether synonyms like "highly esteemed" or "well-regarded" might add more nuance. Be mindful of overuse, especially in formal contexts, and avoid redundancy by ensuring that "respected" and any accompanying adjectives contribute distinct meanings. While typically neutral, context and tone can shift the phrase's meaning, even to sarcasm. By understanding these nuances, you can use "widely respected" with precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly esteemed

Focuses on the high level of value placed on someone or something.

greatly admired

Emphasizes the feeling of admiration from a large number of people.

well-regarded

Highlights the positive opinion held by many, focusing on reputation.

universally praised

Indicates almost everyone offers positive feedback or acclaim.

held in high esteem

A more formal way of saying "widely respected", stressing reverence.

highly thought of

Simple and direct, indicating a positive opinion.

commanding respect

Emphasizes the ability to inspire respect.

with a good reputation

Focuses on the positive public perception.

looked up to

Highlights the aspect of admiration and acting as a role model.

venerated

Implies a deep respect, often bordering on reverence, for someone or something.

FAQs

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

You can use "widely respected" to describe someone or something that is highly valued and admired by many. For example, "She is a "widely respected" scientist in her field."

What are some alternatives to "widely respected"?

Alternatives to "widely respected" include "highly esteemed", "well-regarded", and "greatly admired". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "widely respected and admired"?

While "respected" and "admired" are similar, they aren't perfectly synonymous. "Respected" implies a recognition of competence or authority, while "admired" suggests a feeling of approval or appreciation. Using both can emphasize both aspects, though in some contexts it may be perceived as slightly redundant.

Can "widely respected" be used sarcastically?

Yes, like many positive adjectives, "widely respected" can be used sarcastically to imply the opposite, particularly if the context suggests the person or thing in question is actually controversial or disliked. Tone and context are crucial for understanding the intended meaning.