widespread
UK: ˈwaɪdspred | US: ˈwaɪdspred
adj. existing or happening over a large area or among many people
adj. widely accepted or recognized
The word "widespread" combines "wide," from Old English wīd (meaning broad or extensive), and "spread," from Old English sprǣdan (to extend or scatter). The compound emerged in Middle English to describe something broadly distributed or prevalent. The logic is straightforward: if something is "spread wide," it covers a large area or affects many people. Over time, it gained figurative use for concepts like influence or acceptance.
The disease became widespread after the flood.
There is widespread support for the new policy.
The internet has led to widespread access to information.
Widespread protests forced the government to act.
The artist’s work achieved widespread fame.