IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary
broaden your horizons
idiom/ˈbrɔːdn jɔː həˈraɪznz/Band 7
Last updated 21 July 2026
In short
“broaden your horizons” is a Band 7 idiom that means to increase the range of your knowledge, experience, or interests. Below you'll find its pronunciation, natural example sentences, synonyms and antonyms, and the collocations that help you use it accurately in the IELTS Speaking test.
Meaning
To increase the range of your knowledge, experience, or interests.
Example sentences
Natural, spoken examples at the level an examiner rewards.
- “Studying abroad really broadened my horizons.”
- “Reading widely is a great way to broaden your horizons.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
expand your outlookwiden your experience
Antonyms
narrow your outlook
Collocations & common phrases
Word partners that make your usage sound natural — the difference between knowing a word and using it well.
Collocations
broaden your horizonsbroaden your mind
Common phrases
broaden your horizons
Related idioms
broaden your horizons
Related words
Explore more vocabulary
Frequently asked questions
What does “broaden your horizons” mean?
To increase the range of your knowledge, experience, or interests.
How do you use “broaden your horizons” in a sentence?
For example: “Studying abroad really broadened my horizons.”
What are some synonyms for “broaden your horizons”?
Synonyms include expand your outlook, widen your experience.
Is “broaden your horizons” good vocabulary for IELTS Speaking?
Yes. It is Band 7 vocabulary, and collocations such as broaden your horizons, broaden your mind help you use it naturally. Reaching for precise, less common words like this is exactly what lifts your Lexical Resource score.
Next step
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