Laajaalaisempi

Laajaalaisempi is a Finnish adjective meaning more broad-based or wider in scope. It is used to describe approaches, analyses, curricula, or policies that encompass a broader range of factors, disciplines, or perspectives than a more narrowly defined alternative. The term forms the comparative of laaja-alainen, a compound often used to denote cross-disciplinary or multi-faceted characteristics.

Etymologically, laajaalainen combines laaja (wide, broad) with alainen (a suffix forming compound adjectives indicating belonging or scope), and the comparative suffix -mpi yields laajaalaisempi, meaning “more broad-based.” The word is most commonly hyphenated in standard Finnish orthography as laaja-alaisempi, though variations without hyphen appear in some texts.

Usage and nuances: laajaalaisempi is frequent in education, research, policy, and organizational discussions when contrasting two approaches. For example, one may compare a laaja-alaisempi lähestymistapa (a broader, more holistic approach) with a kapea-alaisempi (more narrow-focused) one. The term implies incorporating multiple dimensions, such as disciplines, stakeholders, or outcomes, rather than concentrating on a single aspect.

Related terms include laaja-alainen (broad-based), monitieteellinen (multidisciplinary), and kapea-alainen (narrow-focused). Laajaalaisempi specifically signals a higher degree of breadth in scope, integration, or perspective.