Broaden out is spelled with a long 'o' sound in 'broad' and a short 'e' sound in 'en'. Using IPA phonetic transcription, the word can be spelled as /ˈbrɔːdn aʊt/. The first syllable is pronounced with a long 'o' (ɔː) sound, followed by a short 'e' (ɛ) sound in the second syllable. The final syllable contains the diphthong 'ow' (aʊ) sound, which is a combination of the 'a' (æ) and 'u' (ʊ) sounds. The pronunciation of 'broaden out' can also vary based on regional accents.
The phrase "broaden out" is a phrasal verb that typically means to expand or increase in scope, range, or diversity. It refers to the act of extending or enlarging something, whether physically or metaphorically, to encompass a broader or more comprehensive aspect or to include a wider variety of elements or perspectives.
In a literal sense, "broaden out" can describe the process of widening a physical object, such as a road, to accommodate more lanes or traffic. Metaphorically, it commonly denotes the action of developing one's knowledge, understanding, or interests in order to encompass a wider range of topics, experiences, or viewpoints. It often implies moving beyond the limitations of a narrow perspective and acquiring a more comprehensive outlook.
This phrase is often used in contexts such as personal growth, education, and professional development. For example, it can describe expanding one's academic pursuits to cover a broader range of subjects or diversifying one's skillset to be more versatile in the job market. It can also refer to broadening one's social circle or cultural experiences to gain a more inclusive and tolerant worldview.
Overall, "broaden out" conveys the idea of expanding one's horizons, breaking free from restrictions, and embracing new possibilities for enrichment and development.
The phrase "broaden out" is a compound verb that combines the word "broaden" and the particle/adverb "out". The etymology of both parts is as follows:
1. Broaden:
The word "broaden" originated from the Middle English word "broden", which evolved from the Old English word "brǣdan". This Old English term ultimately stems from the Proto-Germanic word "bredaną", meaning "to make or become broad". It is also related to the Old High German word "breitan" and the Gothic word "briþan". The sense of "expand" or "widen" emerged in the late Middle English period.
2. Out:
The adverb "out" comes from the Middle English word "oute", which developed from the Old English word "ūt", meaning "out" or "outside".