weitgehend

Weitgehend is a German term used as both an adverb and an adjective to express that something applies to a large extent, or covers a broad scope, without implying total completeness. As an adverb it means largely, mostly, or to a great extent. As an attributive adjective it describes a noun as extensive or broad in scope, e.g., eine weitgehende Reform.

The word is formed from weit (far, wide) and gehend (going), and it has long been part of standard German. It is common in formal and semi-formal contexts, including media, politics, law, and academia. In phrases, it can modify actions, outcomes, or conditions, signaling substantial but not absolute agreement or coverage.

Usage notes and nuances: weitgehend indicates high degree but not absoluteness. It suggests that a statement holds for most parts or aspects, while leaving some elements outside the scope. This makes it well suited for describing partial compliance, partial overlap, or broad generalizations. It can pair with verbs (Die Maßnahme ist weitgehend umgesetzt) and with nouns in attributive position (eine weitgehende Lösung, weitgehende Analysen). In style-sensitive contexts, it is often preferred over harsher terms like fast oder nahezu when a measured emphasis on extent is desired.

Synonyms and related terms include größtenteils, überwiegend, beinahe, and nahezu, though each carries slightly different emphasis regarding completeness or frequency. See also broader or more specific expressions such as weitreichend (far-reaching) for more expansive connotations.