broad reach: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2-C1 (Low-frequency, domain-specific)Formal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “broad reach” mean?
The ability of something (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The ability of something (e.g., media, a product, a service) to connect with or influence a large and diverse audience or area.
In sailing, a point of sail where the wind is coming from behind the beam (between a beam reach and a run). More generally, a wide scope of influence, accessibility, or coverage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The sailing term is equally common in nautical contexts in both regions. The media/marketing usage is slightly more prevalent in American business jargon.
Connotations
Neutral to positive in business (implying success). Purely descriptive in sailing.
Frequency
Uncommon in everyday speech. More frequent in professional contexts like advertising, broadcasting, and sailing.
Grammar
How to Use “broad reach” in a Sentence
[Subject] has/offers/ensures/gives a broad reachThe broad reach of [Noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “broad reach” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The channel's broad-reach strategy is its key asset.
- It's a broad-reach publication.
American English
- Their broad-reach advertising plan targets multiple demographics.
- We need a broad-reach solution.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Our social media campaign needs a broad reach to engage both young professionals and retirees.
Academic
The study critiques the theoretical broad reach of the model, questioning its applicability across all cultures.
Everyday
This new radio station has a broad reach; I can hear it in three different counties.
Technical
The yacht is fastest on a broad reach with the spinnaker flying.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “broad reach”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “broad reach”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “broad reach”
- Using 'broad reach' as a verb (e.g., 'We need to broad reach more customers' – INCORRECT). Correct: 'We need to achieve a broad reach.'
- Confusing 'broad reach' with 'long reach'. 'Broad' implies width/variety, 'long' implies distance/extension.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it functions as a noun phrase, often hyphenated when used attributively (e.g., a broad-reach strategy).
It's uncommon in casual chat. It's primarily business, media, or sailing terminology. Simpler alternatives like 'wide appeal' or 'covers a lot of people' are more typical for everyday use.
The opposite in terms of wind angle would be 'close-hauled' or 'beating', where the boat sails as directly into the wind as possible.
In business/media contexts, it often does, as it suggests effective distribution. However, it is a metric, not a guarantee of quality or engagement (you can have broad reach but low impact).
The ability of something (e.
Broad reach is usually formal / technical in register.
Broad reach: in British English it is pronounced /brɔːd riːtʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /brɔːd riːtʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Cast a wide net (similar conceptual idea)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BROADcaster's REACH – how far and wide their signal can go to a broad audience.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFLUENCE IS PHYSICAL REACH / COVERAGE IS AREA.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'broad reach' most likely be used?