Words / B2

wyd-SPRED/ˌwaɪdˈspred/

Widespread means existing in many places or among many people. Common can mean “usual”; widespread stresses geographical or social spread, as in widespread support / concern / use / belief. It is frequent in news and reports; the opposite idea is limited or isolated, and it is not the same as wide (physical width).

Meaning

Existing or happening in many places or among many people.

Examples

• “The flu was widespread last winter.”
• “There is widespread concern about air quality.”
• “Online shopping is now widespread in the region.”

Good to know

widespread support / concern / use. Stresses how far something has spread.

Near in meaning

extensive

New