Largely vs. Widely
What's the Difference?
Largely and widely are both adverbs that describe the extent or scope of something, but they have slightly different meanings. Largely typically refers to something that is mostly or predominantly true, while widely suggests something that is spread out or distributed over a large area. For example, a company may largely rely on digital marketing for its advertising strategy, while its products are widely available in stores across the country. Overall, largely emphasizes the degree to which something is true or applicable, while widely emphasizes the geographical or physical distribution of something.
Comparison
| Attribute | Largely | Widely |
|---|---|---|
| Extent | Great extent | Across a wide area |
| Scope | Large scope | Wide scope |
| Usage | Commonly used | Used by many |
| Applicability | Applicable in many cases | Applicable in a wide range of situations |
Further Detail
Definition
When comparing the attributes of largely and widely, it is important to first understand the definitions of these two words. Largely is an adverb that means to a great extent or mostly. It is often used to describe the majority of something. On the other hand, widely is an adverb that means over a wide area or range; extensively. It is often used to describe the distribution or reach of something.
Usage
One key difference between largely and widely is their usage in sentences. Largely is typically used to describe the extent or amount of something, such as "The success of the project was largely due to the hard work of the team." On the other hand, widely is used to describe the scope or range of something, such as "The new technology is widely available in stores across the country."
Scope
Another important attribute to consider when comparing largely and widely is their scope. Largely tends to focus on the quantity or proportion of something, while widely focuses on the distribution or reach of something. For example, "The company largely operates in the tech industry" emphasizes the company's main focus, while "The company's products are widely used around the world" highlights the global reach of the products.
Impact
Both largely and widely can have a significant impact on the meaning of a sentence. Largely can emphasize the importance or dominance of something, while widely can emphasize the breadth or extent of something. For instance, "The new policy largely affects employees in the marketing department" highlights the impact on a specific group, while "The new policy is widely supported by employees across all departments" emphasizes the widespread support.
Examples
Here are some examples to further illustrate the differences between largely and widely:
- Largely: The success of the event was largely due to the efforts of the volunteers.
- Widely: The news of the merger spread widely throughout the industry.
- Largely: The decision to expand the business was largely influenced by market trends.
- Widely: The company's products are widely recognized for their quality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while largely and widely are both adverbs that describe the extent or reach of something, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. Largely focuses on the quantity or proportion of something, while widely emphasizes the distribution or reach of something. Understanding the nuances of these two words can help improve clarity and precision in writing and communication.
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