Dictionary Entry
widespread
Part of SpeechadjectivePronunciation/wīd-spred/Word FrequencyCommon (5.25)Curriculum FrequencyLess common (1)Affecting a large area (e.g. the entire land or body); broad in extent; widely diffused.
In a Sentence
“Students can use widespread to explain Affecting a large area (e.g. the entire land or body); broad in extent; widely diffused..”
Published Usage Examples
“Many mid-ranking Afghan officials are similarly frustrated with what they describe as widespread corruption.”
“Reichbach scolded the department for what he described as a widespread culture of corruption endemic in its drug units, The New York Times reported.”
This entry also appears in ReadingWillow Year 12 word lists, so students can move between the dictionary and year-level study sets.
Origin
From 'wide' (Old English wīd) and 'spread' (Old English sprædan), indicating something extended broadly.
Common Phrases
Related Words
Poetry examples for “widespread”
Excerpts from the ReadingWillow English Library collection.
Poetry examples are still being gathered for this entry. They will appear here once matching poems are available in the library.
