German word

weitreichend

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈvaɪ̯tˌʁaɪ̯çn̩t/

Meaning

  • adjectivefar-reaching

Example

Das Gesetz hat weitreichende Folgen für die Umwelt.

The law has far-reaching consequences for the environment.

Illustration for weitreichend (far-reaching)

More examples

Wir ergriffen weitreichende Maßnahmen, um das Problem zu lösen.

We took far-reaching measures to solve the problem.

Core concept

A measure reaches beyond its starting area and changes conditions in several connected areas.

Common phrases

  • weitreichende Maßnahmen

    far-reaching measures

  • weitreichende Reformen

    far-reaching reforms

Similar words

umfangreich: Including many items or aspects within a broad range.
tiefgreifend: Bringing deep, fundamental changes rather than superficial ones.
folgenreich: Having major consequences for what follows.
ausgedehnt: Spread over a wide area or lasting for a long time.

Definition in German

sich über viele Bereiche erstreckend und dort Wirkung zeigend; nicht auf einen engen Bereich beschränkt.

Word origin

Weitreichend is formed from weit and the present participle reichend, so its literal sense is 'reaching far' before its figurative use for broad impact.

Usage tips

  • Weitreichend usually concerns scope or consequences, not the physical distance between places.

Other meanings

  • significantadjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word