widely

widely — adverb

1. in a way that involves a large number of different locations, individuals, or to

1.副詞B1
釋義

in a way that involves a large number of different locations, individuals, or topics at once.

例句

Smartphones are widely used by people of all ages around the world.

widely + past participle: are widely used

Bao's research on coastal erosion has been widely cited in academic journals.

perfect passive: has been widely cited

同義詞
  • broadly

    more common in abstract or categorical contexts; 'broadly defined' vs 'widely used'

  • extensively

    emphasises thorough coverage over a large area; slightly more formal

  • commonly

    focuses on frequency or general acceptance rather than geographic range

反義詞
  • narrowly

    applies to a restricted range or limited group; opposite of broad coverage

  • rarely

    opposite in terms of frequency rather than range

文法句型

widely + past participle

widely + adjective

verb + widely

用法筆記

Most common in passive constructions (be widely + past participle) and before participles acting as adjectives. Frequently found in formal and academic writing.

常見錯誤

❌The book is widely readed by students.
✅The book is widely read by students.
💡'read' is an irregular past participle and does not take '-ed'.
❌This custom is widely in this region.
✅This custom is widely found in this region.
💡'widely' cannot directly modify a prepositional phrase; it needs a verb or adjective.

2. used before words that express difference or contrast, showing that the gap or r

2.副詞B2
釋義

used before words that express difference or contrast, showing that the gap or range is very noticeable in degree.

例句

Opinions among the committee members differed widely on the proposed changes.

verb + widely: differed widely

The cost of renting a flat varies widely between the city centre and the suburbs.

同義詞
  • vastly

    emphasises an impressively large gap; 'vastly different' is slightly stronger than 'widely different'

  • greatly

    a more general intensifier that works with many verbs beyond difference

  • considerably

    stresses a degree that is significant or worth noting; a touch more formal

反義詞
  • slightly

    a small degree of difference, opposite of a large gap

  • marginally

    a very small amount of difference; often used in formal comparisons

文法句型

widely + adjective of difference

differ / vary / range + widely

用法筆記

Does NOT combine freely with all adjectives — phrases like 'widely happy' or 'widely good' are not natural. Only pairs with words that inherently express variation, difference, or range.

常見錯誤

❌The two paintings are widely same.
✅The two paintings are widely different.
💡'widely' in this sense only combines with words expressing difference, not sameness.
❌The prices are widely expensive.
✅The prices vary widely.
💡'expense' is a single value, not a range; use 'vary widely' to describe the spread of prices.