different between widely vs generally

English

Etymology

From Middle English wijdly, equivalent to wide +? -ly.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?wa?dli/

Adverb

widely (comparative widelier or more widely, superlative wideliest or most widely)

1. In a wide manner; across a wide area.
2. (figuratively) Commonly; generally; to a great degree.
   • 1948, Carey McWilliams, North from Mexico / The Spanish-Speaking People of The United States, J. B. Lippincott Company, page 75,

     In 1866 Colonel J. F. Meline noted that the rebozo had almost disappeared in Santa Fe and that hoop skirts, on sale in the stores, were being widely used.

Translations

Anagrams

• Wildey, dewily, wieldy

English

Etymology

From Middle English generally, generalliche, equivalent to general +? -ly.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /d???n??li?/, IPA^(key): /d???n.??.?.li/

Adverb

generally (comparative more generally, superlative most generally)

1. Popularly or widely.

2. As a rule; usually.
   • 1661, John Fell, The Life of the most learned, reverend and pious Dr. H. Hammond

     During the whole time of his abode in the university he generally spent thirteen hours of the day in study; by which assiduity besides an exact dispatch of the whole course of philosophy, he read over in a manner all classic authors that are extant […]
3. Without reference to specific details.

4. (obsolete) Collectively; as a whole; without omissions.

   • I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee.

Synonyms

• (popularly or widely): commonly
• (as a rule; usually): basically, by and large, commonly, ordinarily, mostly, regularly, wontedly; see also Thesaurus:mostly or Thesaurus:usually or Thesaurus:normally
• (without reference to specific details): generically; see also Thesaurus:generally
• (collectively): collaboratively, en masse; see also Thesaurus:jointly

Translations