broaden

broad|en [ˈbro:dn US ˈbro:dn] v

1.) [T]

to increase something such as your knowledge, experience, or range of activities

▪ The course helps school-leavers broaden their knowledge of the world of work.

▪ I'd like to work abroad to broaden my horizons (=learn, experience, or attempt new things) .

▪ Travel broadens the mind (=helps you to understand and accept other people's beliefs, customs etc) .

2.) [I and T]

to affect or include more people or things, or to make something affect or include more people or things

= ↑widen,

▪ Mr Mates said the party must broaden its appeal to younger voters.

▪ Flynn's appeal broadened as the campaign continued into the summer months.

▪ I want to broaden the discussion to other aspects of the problem.

3.) [I and T]

to make something wider or to become wider

= ↑widen

▪ Mark's smile broadened.

▪ The council decided to broaden the pavement.

broaden out phr v

if something, especially a river or road, broadens out, it becomes wider

= ↑widen out

▪ The river broadens out at this point.