Broadminded

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Being receptive to various opinions and perspectives, fostering understanding of different lifestyles and beliefs, and promoting inclusivity without bias
2. Willing to consider and accept views or ways of life that differ from one's own
3. Characterized by a readiness to embrace diversity of thought and lifestyle without prejudice

Etymology: "Broadminded" is simply a spelling variant of "broad-minded," so the word's history lies in the two elements joined together. "Broad" comes from Old English "brād," meaning wide or extensive, while "minded" is the past participle of "mind," which once meant the mind, memory or intention, and gained its sense of being inclined in a certain direction. Joined together, the compound pictures a mind with plenty of room in it, one that is not confined to narrow limits. The image is literal at its core: a broad mind is one stretched wide enough to take in many views. The compound's meaning has stayed close to that picture, so the adjective now describes a person willing to consider beliefs and customs unlike their own.

Synonyms: tolerant, open-minded, liberal, unprejudiced, accepting

Antonyms: narrow-minded, intolerant, bigoted, biased, dogmatic