extensively

The word “extensively” means over a wide range, or to a great degree. In plain terms, widely or thoroughly, covering a lot of ground.

“Extensively” is pronounced ihk-STEHN-sihv-lee (/ɪkˈstɛn.sɪv.li/ in IPA).

Here is “extensively” used in a sentence: “She has travelled extensively across South America.”

“Extensively” is an adverb.

“Extensively” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

'Extensively' means over a wide area or range, covering a lot of ground broadly. 'Intensively' means concentrated deeply on one thing with great effort. Studying a subject extensively means covering much of it, while studying it intensively means focusing hard on a narrow part.

'Extensively' stresses wide coverage or a great degree, as in travelling extensively. 'Thoroughly' stresses completeness and attention to detail, leaving nothing out. You can research a topic extensively across many sources yet not thoroughly if you fail to check each one carefully.

The two often overlap and both can mean over a broad range. 'Widely' tends to stress spread or distribution, as in 'widely known,' while 'extensively' can also mean to a great degree or in great detail, as in 'extensively renovated.' Use 'extensively' when you mean large-scale, in-depth coverage as well as breadth.

'Extensive' is the adjective, describing something large in range or amount, as in 'extensive damage.' 'Extensively' is the adverb, describing how an action is done, as in 'damaged extensively.' Use the adjective before a noun and the adverb with a verb.