Which word best describes a trend that affects many regions or the whole world?

• A. Local
• B. Widespread
• C. Regional
• D. Global

Answer: (D)

Think about the scale of the impact. A trend described as global means it spans across many countries and continents, reaching the entire world. That level of reach is what makes global the best fit when a trend affects many regions or the whole world. Widespread can describe something that appears in many places, but it doesn’t guarantee worldwide reach. Local and regional indicate a limited geographic scope, which doesn’t match a trend said to affect multiple regions or the entire globe. In short, global communicates that the trend’s influence is across borders and across the world.