Widen or expand (7) Crossword Clue
Answer: BROADEN (7 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Widen or expand" with 7 letters is "BROADEN". Broaden means to widen or expand, often used to describe the process of making something larger, more inclusive, or more extensive in scope, such as broadening one's knowledge or horizons. It suggests increasing the range or scope of something.
Why “Broaden” Fits
The clue asks for a 7-letter word meaning both “widen” and “expand.” The answer, BROADEN, fits neatly:
- Widen: “Broaden” directly means to make something wider, such as broadening a road or a view.
- Expand: It also captures the sense of expanding the scope, range, or understanding—making something more extensive.
This dual definition makes “BROADEN” a concise and elegant solution for the clue.
The word “broaden” is formed from “broad,” meaning wide, with the verb-forming suffix “-en”:
- Literal use: Broaden a riverbank, doorway, or shoulders—making something physically wider.
- Metaphorical use: Broaden one’s horizons, interests, or experiences—meaning to expand understanding, access, or perspective.
- Common pairing: The phrase “broaden your mind” is widely used to mean encouraging open-mindedness and learning.
The versatility of “broaden” in both physical and abstract senses naturally bridges the ideas of widening and expanding.
In quick crosswords, clues like “widen or expand”:
- Are classic double-definition clues—both leading to a verb with broad and metaphorical uses.
- Letter count (7) is a further hint, ruling out shorter verbs like “grow,” “swell,” or “enlarge.”
- Watch for verbs ending in “-en” (like “strengthen” and “lengthen”)—these often signal a change in extent or quality.
Spotting that “widen” and “expand” overlap perfectly with “broaden” helps you quickly converge on the answer.
