broadens

Broadens is the third-person singular present tense of the verb broaden. The verb broad en means to make something wider in physical width, or to extend its scope, range, or applicability. It is used to indicate growth or expansion in both concrete and abstract senses.

Grammatically, broadens is typically transitive, taking a direct object or a complement describing what is being widened or extended. Examples include: “The program broadens participation in science,” and “The debate broadens the audience’s understanding.” It can also describe a process or development, as in “Experience broadens one’s perspective.” In specialized contexts, it may refer to widening measurable properties such as a spectrum, a market, or an area of influence.

Etymology and related forms: broad en derives from the adjective broad, with the English -en suffix forming verbs that express causing or making. The root broad itself comes from the Old English brād, meaning wide. The verb broaden appears in Middle English, with broadens attested in Modern English as the present-tense form. Related forms include broadened (past tense) and broadening (gerund or present participle). Related verbs with similar meaning include widen, expand, and extend.

Usage notes: broadens conveys a deliberate or gradual expansion, often in policy, understanding, opportunities, or horizons. It is commonly paired with nouns such as access, scope, perspectives, or markets.