extend
ehk-STEHND
Extend (verb) means to make something longer, larger, or last for more time. Example: “The council decided to extend the library's opening hours.”
verb
1
To make something longer, larger, or last for more time.
"The council decided to extend the library's opening hours."
"They extended the deadline by two weeks."
"We plan to extend the garden by adding a small patio."
2
To stretch out a limb or part of the body.
"Extend your arm fully before releasing the ball."
"She extended her hand to greet the new neighbour."
"Stand tall and extend both legs straight in front of you."
3
To offer or give something, such as an invitation or thanks.
"The hotel extended a warm welcome to all its guests."
"I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who helped."
"They extended an invitation to the whole class for the party."
How to use extend
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make something bigger, longer, or to reach out and offer it.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
extend a deadline
extend an invitation
extend your arm
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- extends
- Past tense
- extended
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The council decided to _____ the library's opening hours.
Etymology
From Latin extendere, "to stretch out" — from ex- ("out") plus tendere ("to stretch").
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “extend” mean?
The word “extend” means to make something longer, larger, or last for more time. In plain terms, to make something bigger, longer, or to reach out and offer it.
How do you pronounce “extend”?
“Extend” is pronounced ehk-STEHND (/ɛkˈstɛnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “extend” in a sentence?
Here is “extend” used in a sentence: “The council decided to extend the library's opening hours.”
What is another word for “extend”?
Words with a similar meaning to “extend” include enlarge, expand, increase, lengthen, stretch and widen.
What part of speech is “extend”?
“Extend” is a verb.
Where does the word “extend” come from?
The word “extend” comes from Latin. From Latin extendere, "to stretch out" — from ex- ("out") plus tendere ("to stretch").
Is “extend” a common word?
“Extend” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “extend” have?
“Extend” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make something longer, larger, or last for more time.
What is the difference between extend and expand?
To extend is to make something longer, larger, or last for more time, often along a single dimension such as length or duration. To expand is to make something larger in overall size or volume, spreading outward in all directions, so a deadline is extended while a business expands.
What is the difference between extend and extent?
'Extend' is a verb meaning to make something longer, larger, or last longer. 'Extent' is a noun meaning the degree or range of something, as in 'the extent of the damage'; the two are easily confused but never interchangeable.
What is the difference between extend and prolong?
Both can mean to make something last longer, but 'extend' applies broadly to length, size, or time, while 'prolong' refers specifically to duration and often to drawing something out longer than wanted. You extend a fence, but you prolong an argument.
When do you use 'extend to' versus 'extend for'?
Use 'extend to' when describing how far something reaches, as in 'the road extends to the coast'. Use 'extend for' when describing a length or period, as in 'the delay extended for three hours'.
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