expand
ihk-SPAND
Expand (verb) means to make something bigger in size, scope, or amount. Example: “The company plans to expand into new markets next year.”
verb
1
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."
"The bakery expanded and opened a second shop on the high street."
2
To explain or describe something in greater detail.
"Could you expand on what you meant by that comment?"
"The teacher asked him to expand his answer with a few examples."
"I'll expand on that point in the next part of my talk."
How to use expand
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo grow bigger, or to give more detail about something.
Common pairings
expand a business
expand on a point
expand rapidly
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- expands
- Past tense
- expanded
- Archaic forms
- expandest, expandedst, expandeth
Fill the gap
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
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “expand” mean?
The word “expand” means to make something bigger in size, scope, or amount. In plain terms, to grow bigger, or to give more detail about something.
How do you pronounce “expand”?
“Expand” is pronounced ihk-SPAND (/ɪkˈspænd/ in IPA).
How do you use “expand” in a sentence?
Here is “expand” used in a sentence: “The company plans to expand into new markets next year.”
What is another word for “expand”?
Words with a similar meaning to “expand” include enlarge, elaborate and expand on.
What is the opposite of “expand”?
The opposite of “expand” — its antonyms — are contract, limit and factor.
What part of speech is “expand”?
“Expand” is a verb.
Where does the word “expand” come from?
The word “expand” comes from Latin. From Latin expandere, "to spread out," from ex- ("out") plus pandere ("to spread"). A distant relative of the word "spawn.".
Is “expand” a common word?
“Expand” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between "expand" and "expand on"?
"Expand" on its own usually means to make something larger in size, scope, or amount, as in expanding a business. "Expand on" is a phrasal verb meaning to explain or describe something in greater detail, as in "Can you expand on that idea?" So you grow a thing when you expand it, but you add detail when you expand on it.
When should you use "expand" instead of "extend"?
Use "expand" when something grows in size, volume, or scope, often in several directions, such as a company expanding into new markets. "Extend" suggests stretching something further in length or duration, like extending a deadline. Expansion implies overall enlargement, while extension implies continuation along a line.
What are common collocations with "expand"?
Common pairings include expand a business, expand horizons, expand the mind, expand production, and expand rapidly. Metals and gases are also said to expand when heated. In discussion, you can expand on a point to give more detail.
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