verb

expand

ihk-SPAND

verb

To make something bigger in size, scope, or amount.

"The company plans to expand into new markets next year."

"Metal expands when it is heated."

To explain or describe something in greater detail.

"Could you expand on what you meant by that comment?"

How to Use Expand

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo grow bigger, or to give more detail about something.

Common pairings

expand a business expand on a point expand rapidly

Word Forms

expanded past tense, expand plural, expanded plural, expands singular, expand singular, expanded singular, expandest singular, expandedst singular, expandeth singular

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Can you complete this real example?

The company plans to _____ into new markets next year.

Etymology

From Latin expandere, "to spread out," from ex- ("out") plus pandere ("to spread"). A distant relative of the word "spawn."

Synonyms

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enlarge elaborate expand on

Antonyms

contract limit factor

Related Words

increase shrink factor augment enlarge bargain limit contract

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