Broad-gauge
What it means
Open-minded and willing to consider a wide range of interests or ideas.
Reach for it when praising generous breadth in judgment or policy
Her broad-gauge leadership invited evidence from every department.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
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everyday
Fits when willingness to reconsider views is the simple point
Careful Open-minded may concern one question rather than a consistently broad outlook.
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warm
Fits when openness toward unfamiliar beliefs or ways of life is central
Careful Broad-minded focuses tolerance more than range of policy judgment.
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professional
Fits when many relevant factors are included in analysis or policy
Careful Comprehensive describes coverage, not personal receptiveness.
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professional
Fits when openness and generosity in attitude fit the intended tradition
Careful Liberal carries strong political meanings that can eclipse the praise.
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formal
Fits when scope and imagination extend across a wide field
Careful Expansive can describe size or an overly talkative mood.
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formal
far-reaching
Fits when effects or scope extend well beyond the immediate issue
Careful Far-reaching does not imply openness or fair consideration.
Opposites 3
- narrow-minded
- parochial
- blinkered
Common phrases 3
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broad-gauge outlook
A broad-gauge outlook helped the board connect health with transport.
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broad-gauge policy
The broad-gauge policy considered tenants, owners, and future residents.
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broad-gauge leader
A broad-gauge leader can hold a clear principle without narrowing the evidence.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Broad-gauge is uncommon in this figurative sense and may be confused with railway track width.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated