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Expand vs Broaden - What's the difference?

expand | broaden |

In transitive terms the difference between expand and broaden

is that expand is to express (something) at length and/or in detail while broaden is to make broad or broader.

In intransitive terms the difference between expand and broaden

is that expand is to feel generous or optimistic while broaden is to become broad or broader.

expand

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • (label) To change (something) from a smaller form and/or size to a larger one.
  • (label) To increase the extent, number, volume or scope of (something).
  • * (John Milton) (1608-1674)
  • Then with expanded wings he steers his flight.
  • (label) To express (something) at length and/or in detail.
  • To rewrite (an expression) as a longer, yet equivalent sum of terms.
  • To multiply both the numerator and the denominator of a fraction by the same natural number yielding a fraction of equal value
  • (label) To (be) change(d) from a smaller form/size to a larger one.
  • (label) To (be) increase(d) in extent, number, volume or scope.
  • (label) To speak or write at length or in detail.
  • *{{quote-book, year=1899, author=(Stephen Crane)
  • , title=, chapter=1 , passage=There was some laughter, and Roddle was left free to expand his ideas on the periodic visits of cowboys to the town. “Mason Rickets, he had ten big punkins a-sittin' in front of his store, an' them fellers from the Upside-down-F ranch shot 'em up […].”}}
  • (label) To feel generous or optimistic.
  • Synonyms

    * open out, spread, spread out, unfold * enlarge * (to express at length or in detail) elaborate (on), expand on

    Antonyms

    * contract * contract * factor

    Derived terms

    * expandable * expander

    broaden

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To make broad or broader.
  • To become broad or broader.
  • Derived terms

    * broaden someone's horizons English ergative verbs