Broaden for Dummies

Broaden is a word that we use to describe a process of making something wider or more extensive. It's like when you have a book and you open it up, making the pages spread out to give you a bigger view of the story. When we say "broaden," we're talking about expanding or extending something so that it includes more ideas, perspectives, or possibilities.

Think about it like this - imagine you're standing at the top of a mountain, looking out at the landscape below. Your view is limited to just what is right in front of you. But then, if you were to broaden your view, you would start looking from side to side, taking in more of the scenery. It's kind of like zooming out with a camera lens, allowing more of the picture to come into focus.

Now, let's take that concept and apply it to knowledge and understanding. When we talk about broadening our understanding, it means we want to look beyond just one way of thinking or one perspective. It's like exploring other points of view, considering new ideas, and gaining a deeper appreciation for the world around us.

For example, let's say you and your friend are discussing your favorite foods. You love pizza and think it's the best thing ever, but your friend thinks sushi is the most delicious food. Instead of sticking to your own opinion, you can decide to broaden your perspective by trying sushi and learning about its history and cultural significance. By doing so, you open yourself up to experiencing new flavors and learning about different culinary traditions. This process of broadening can help you appreciate and understand more about the world of food.

Now, let's talk about another definition of "broaden." Sometimes we use this word to talk about making something more inclusive or diverse. Just like a painting can be made more interesting and dynamic by adding different colors and shapes, a concept or a group of people can become more enriched and vibrant by welcoming different perspectives and backgrounds.

Think of it this way - imagine you have a group of friends who all have the same interests, hobbies, and opinions as you. While it might be fun to have friends who are similar to you, it can also limit your experiences and growth. So, if you decide to broaden your friend circle, you may meet people who have different hobbies, come from different cultures, or simply have unique ways of viewing the world. By embracing these differences, you can learn from one another and broaden your understanding of the world around you.

So, when we talk about broadening, we are talking about expanding or extending something to include more ideas, perspectives, or possibilities. Both in terms of our knowledge and understanding, as well as in welcoming diversity and inclusivity. It's like taking a narrow view and opening it up, letting in more of the world and all its richness.