Broadcast vs Put word out

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Broadcast

Top 2,000 (common)B2verb

Put word out

Top 3,000 (common)
Most common: Broadcast
 BroadcastPut word out
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ˈbrɔːdkɑːst/","/ˈbrɔːdkɑːsts/","/ˈbrɔːdkɑːstɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈbrɔːdkæst/","/ˈbrɔːdkæsts/","/ˈbrɔːdkæstɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //pʊt wɜːd aʊt//🇺🇸 //pʊt wɝːd aʊt//
MeaningTo send out information or programs to a lot of people.To announce or share information publicly.
ExampleThe concert will be **broadcast live** *(= at the same time as it takes place)* tomorrow evening.They decided to put the word out about the charity event.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 3,000 (common)
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechverb
Collocationslive, nationally, originally, from, toput the word out, put the word out quickly, put the word out widely, put the word out about something, put the word out to everyone
Antonymssuppress, withhold-
Common mistakesConfused with 'cast' as a noun., Using 'broadcasted' instead of 'broadcast' for past forms., Confusing with 'stream' in the context of online content.Confusing with 'put out' which means to extinguish., Using it in very formal contexts where a more specific term is needed., Mistaking it for 'get the word out' which carries a similar but slightly different meaning.
Usage notesUse 'broadcast' when referring to media like TV or radio. It's suitable for formal and neutral contexts but can feel out of place in very casual conversations.Use in informal contexts when sharing news or announcements; less common in formal writing. Avoid using with very sensitive or private information.

See it in real clips

Broadcast
Put word out

Frequently asked questions: Broadcast vs Put word out

What's the difference between Broadcast and Put word out?

Broadcast: To send out information or programs to a lot of people. Put word out: To announce or share information publicly.

Which is more common: Broadcast and Put word out?

Broadcast is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Broadcast: The concert will be **broadcast live** *(= at the same time as it takes place)* tomorrow evening. Put word out: They decided to put the word out about the charity event.

Can I use Broadcast and Put word out interchangeably?

Not always. Broadcast and Put word out are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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