broadminded

Broadminded is an adjective used to describe a person or attitude characterized by openness to new ideas, experiences, and people who are different from oneself. A broadminded stance generally includes tolerance of diverse beliefs, cultures, and ways of thinking.

The term combines broad, meaning wide in extent, with minded, indicating a mental disposition. It is usually written as broad-minded in modern English, though the unhyphenated form broadminded also appears in some sources.

Key characteristics of a broadminded outlook include curiosity, a willingness to engage with unfamiliar viewpoints, respect for others’ differences, and the ability to revise opinions in light of new evidence. It often involves fair judgment and a focus on dialogue rather than dogmatic certainty.

Broadmindedness is not the same as unconditional endorsement of all ideas; it implies evaluating claims on their merits and maintaining ethical or legal boundaries. In evaluative writing, describing someone as broadminded signals a positive regard for openness and tolerance.

See also open-mindedness, tolerance, pluralism, liberalism.