broaden
UK: ˈbrɔːdn | US: ˈbrɔːdn
vt. to make or become broader or more extensive
vi. to expand in scope, range, or significance
The word "broaden" combines the adjective "broad" (from Old English "brād," meaning wide or spacious) with the verb-forming suffix "-en" (from Old English "-nian," used to create transitive verbs meaning "to make or become"). This construction follows a common Germanic pattern where an adjective is transformed into a verb indicating a change of state. The logic is straightforward: "broaden" literally means "to make broad," reflecting physical or metaphorical expansion.
Traveling abroad can broaden your perspective.
The company plans to broaden its product line next year.
Reading diverse genres helps broaden your vocabulary.
The river broadens as it flows toward the sea.
She took courses to broaden her knowledge of art history.