adv
widely
WYD-lee
adv
1
Over a large area or range.
"The rumour spread widely across the office."
"Prices vary widely between shops."
2
Commonly; by many people.
"It is widely believed that the plan will fail."
"The book is widely read in schools."
How to Use Widely
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOver a broad area, or commonly and by many people.
Common pairings
widely known
widely believed
widely used
Word Forms
widelier comparative, more widely comparative, wideliest superlative, most widely superlative
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The rumour spread _____ across the office.
Etymology
From wide + the adverb suffix -ly.