Broadcasted vs. Broadcast — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 18, 2024
Broadcast refers to the transmission of information via TV or radio, whereas broadcasted can serve as the past tense or past participle form, though "broadcast" is often preferred for both.
Difference Between Broadcasted and Broadcast
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Key Differences
Broadcast primarily denotes the act of transmitting information through media channels like television and radio to a wide audience. It is a process that involves sending out content such as news, music, or entertainment programs to be accessed by the public. On the other hand, broadcasted is typically used as the past tense or past participle form of the verb "broadcast." It signifies that the action of broadcasting has occurred in the past. However, it's worth noting that in modern usage, especially in American English, "broadcast" is often used as both the present and past tense form of the verb, making "broadcasted" less common.
While "broadcast" maintains its form across tenses, adding a sense of continuity and timelessness to the action, "broadcasted" distinctly marks the action as having been completed in the past. This can affect the tone and formality of the message, with "broadcasted" sometimes considered more formal or traditional.
"Broadcast" as a verb is versatile, applying to both the present and past actions, which can simplify language use and avoid confusion. In contrast, "broadcasted" clearly demarcates past actions, which can be useful for clarity in certain contexts where the timing of the action is crucial.
The choice between "broadcast" and "broadcasted" can also reflect regional language preferences, with some English-speaking regions or communities favoring one form over the other. This variation showcases the dynamic nature of language and how it adapts to different cultural and communicative contexts.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb (past tense, past participle)
Verb (present), Noun
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Usage
Indicates completed transmission activities in the past
Describes ongoing or general transmission activities
Preference
Less common, especially in American English
Often preferred in both present and past contexts
Tone
May imply formality or traditionalism
Can imply timelessness and continuity
Regional Variation
Preference may vary by region
Usage varies, generally accepted in all regions
Compare with Definitions
Broadcasted
Indicating the completion of broadcasting in the past.
The company broadcasted their new advertisement yesterday.
Broadcast
To transmit programs or content to the public via television, radio, or the internet.
The network plans to broadcast the championship game live.
Broadcasted
Used to adhere to conventional past tense formation.
The event was broadcasted live to an international audience.
Broadcast
To have transmitted programs or content in the past (less common usage).
The station broadcasted a special report last night.
Broadcasted
Preferred in certain English-speaking areas.
The documentary was broadcasted on national television last week.
Broadcast
To send data to multiple recipients simultaneously in a network.
The server broadcast a message to all connected devices.
Broadcasted
Where precision in tense is necessary.
The regulations were broadcasted to the relevant parties on the specified date.
Broadcast
A program or content transmitted via media channels.
The morning broadcast includes news, weather, and traffic updates.
Broadcasted
To denote broadcasting actions in a specific past context.
The president's address was broadcasted during a critical time in history.
Broadcast
To spread information widely.
Rumors about the merger were broadcast across the industry.
Broadcasted
To communicate or transmit (a signal, a message, or content, such as audio or video programming) to numerous recipients simultaneously over a communication network
A radio station that broadcasts news.
An agency broadcasting an appeal for donations over the internet.
Broadcast
To communicate or transmit (a signal, a message, or content, such as audio or video programming) to numerous recipients simultaneously over a communication network
A radio station that broadcasts news.
An agency broadcasting an appeal for donations over the internet.
Broadcasted
To make known over a wide area
Reporters who broadcast unchecked rumors in order to get the story out first.
"The birds sang in flight because that was the only way, in this treeless terrain, to broadcast their claims across their chosen pieces of land" (Kenn Kaufman).
Broadcast
To make known over a wide area
Reporters who broadcast unchecked rumors in order to get the story out first.
"The birds sang in flight because that was the only way, in this treeless terrain, to broadcast their claims across their chosen pieces of land" (Kenn Kaufman).
Broadcasted
To sow (seed) over a wide area, especially by hand.
Broadcast
To sow (seed) over a wide area, especially by hand.
Broadcasted
To communicate or transmit a signal, a message, or content, such as audio or video programming, to numerous recipients simultaneously over a communication network.
Broadcast
To communicate or transmit a signal, a message, or content, such as audio or video programming, to numerous recipients simultaneously over a communication network.
Broadcasted
The act or process of broadcasting a signal, a message, or content, such as audio or video programming.
Broadcast
The act or process of broadcasting a signal, a message, or content, such as audio or video programming.
Broadcasted
A signal, message, or audio or video program that is broadcast over a communication network
Watched the morning news broadcast.
Broadcast
A signal, message, or audio or video program that is broadcast over a communication network
Watched the morning news broadcast.
Broadcasted
The act of scattering seed.
Broadcast
The act of scattering seed.
Broadcasted
Communicated or transmitted by means of broadcasting, as over a communications network
A broadcast announcement.
Broadcast
Communicated or transmitted by means of broadcasting, as over a communications network
A broadcast announcement.
Broadcasted
Of or relating to the broadcasting of audio or video content over communication networks, as in television or radio.
Broadcast
Of or relating to the broadcasting of audio or video content over communication networks, as in television or radio.
Broadcasted
Widely known.
Broadcast
Widely known.
Broadcasted
Scattered over a wide area.
Broadcast
Scattered over a wide area.
Broadcasted
In a scattered manner.
Broadcast
In a scattered manner.
Broadcasted
Simple past tense and past participle of broadcast
Broadcast
Cast or scattered widely in all directions; cast abroad.
The seed was broadcast, not drilled.
Broadcast
Communicated, signalled, or transmitted through radio waves or electronic means.
Broadcast
Relating to transmissions of messages or signals through radio waves or electronic means.
Broadcast
Widely in all directions; abroad.
Broadcast
By having its seeds sown over a wide area.
Broadcast
A transmission of a radio or television programme intended to be received by anyone with a receiver.
Broadcast
A programme (bulletin, documentary, show, etc.) so transmitted.
The DJ was feeling nervous before his first national broadcast.
Broadcast
The act of scattering seed; a crop grown from such seed.
Broadcast
(transitive) To transmit a message or signal through radio waves or electronic means.
Broadcast
(transitive) To transmit a message over a wide area; specifically, to send an email in a single transmission to a (typically large) number of people.
Broadcast
(intransitive) To appear as a performer, presenter, or speaker in a broadcast programme.
Broadcast
To sow seeds over a wide area.
Broadcast
A casting or throwing seed in all directions, as from the hand in sowing.
Broadcast
An act of broadcasting; specifically, a program in which sounds or images are transmitted in all directions from a radio or television station; - usually referring to a scheduled program on a commercial or public service radio or television station, using the normal radio frequencies for those media, in contrast to a radiotelephone conversation, which may also be transmitted in all directions, but is intended for receipt by a base station in the telephone network.
Broadcast
Cast or dispersed in all directions, as seed from the hand in sowing; widely diffused.
Broadcast
Scattering in all directions (as a method of sowing); - opposed to planting in hills, or rows.
Broadcast
So as to scatter or be scattered in all directions; so as to spread widely, as seed from the hand in sowing, or news from the press.
Broadcast
To cast or disperse in all directions, as seed from the hand in sowing; to diffuse widely.
Broadcast
To transmit (sounds, images, or other signals) in all directions from a radio or television station.
Broadcast
To disseminate (information, a speech, an advertisement, etc.) from a radio or television station.
Broadcast
To spread (information, news, gossip) widely by any means.
Broadcast
Message that is transmitted by radio or television
Broadcast
A radio or television show;
Did you see his program last night?
Broadcast
Broadcast over the airwaves, as in radio or television;
We cannot air this X-rated song
Broadcast
Sow over a wide area, especially by hand;
Broadcast seeds
Broadcast
Cause to become widely known;
Spread information
Circulate a rumor
Broadcast the news
Common Curiosities
Is "broadcasted" incorrect?
No, "broadcasted" is not incorrect but is less commonly used, especially in American English.
Can "broadcast" and "broadcasted" be used interchangeably?
They are not always interchangeable. "Broadcast" is used for present tense and often as past tense, while "broadcasted" specifically denotes past actions.
Is the usage of "broadcast" vs. "broadcasted" different in British and American English?
Yes, there can be regional preferences, with "broadcast" as both present and past tense more commonly accepted in American English.
Why do some people prefer "broadcast" over "broadcasted" for the past tense?
"Broadcast" as a past tense verb aligns with other irregular verbs in English that don't change form, and many find it more concise and modern.
Can "broadcast" refer to internet transmissions?
Yes, "broadcast" can refer to transmitting content via the internet, like live streaming.
Can "broadcast" be a noun?
Yes, "broadcast" can also be a noun referring to the transmitted content itself.
How can I know which form to use in my writing?
Consider your audience, the context of your writing, and regional language norms. "Broadcast" as both present and past tense is generally safe and widely accepted.
How do media professionals typically use these terms?
Media professionals often use "broadcast" for both present and past tense to maintain consistency and brevity.
Are there any digital platforms where "broadcasted" is more common?
Usage tends to be more about regional and stylistic preferences than specific platforms.
Can "broadcast" and "broadcasted" be applied to non-media contexts?
Yes, both can be used figuratively to describe spreading information widely, though "broadcast" is more common.
Are there any contexts where "broadcasted" is preferred?
"Broadcasted" might be preferred in formal, traditional, or specific regional contexts.
Can "broadcasted" be used in everyday conversation?
It can be, though "broadcast" might be more common in casual speech.
Are there any exceptions to using "broadcast" as past tense?
Usage can vary by context and preference, but "broadcast" is widely accepted as past tense in many cases.
Does the choice between "broadcast" and "broadcasted" affect the meaning?
The choice mainly affects the formality and tone rather than the fundamental meaning.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
