extensively
ihk-STEHN-sihv-lee
Extensively (adverb) means Over a wide range, or to a great degree. Example: “The author has written extensively about the history of rural villages.”
adverb
1
Over a wide range, or to a great degree.
"The author has written extensively about the history of rural villages."
"She has travelled extensively across South America."
"The topic has been extensively researched."
How to use extensively
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWidely or thoroughly, covering a lot of ground.
Common pairings
travel extensively
used extensively
extensively researched
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more extensively
- Superlative
- most extensively
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The author has written _____ about the history of rural villages.
Related words
Rhymes for extensively
See all rhymes for extensively →Frequently asked questions
What does “extensively” mean?
The word “extensively” means over a wide range, or to a great degree. In plain terms, widely or thoroughly, covering a lot of ground.
How do you pronounce “extensively”?
“Extensively” is pronounced ihk-STEHN-sihv-lee (/ɪkˈstɛn.sɪv.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “extensively” in a sentence?
Here is “extensively” used in a sentence: “She has travelled extensively across South America.”
What part of speech is “extensively”?
“Extensively” is an adverb.
Is “extensively” a common word?
“Extensively” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between 'extensively' and 'intensively'?
'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.
What is the difference between 'extensively' and 'thoroughly'?
'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.
When should you use 'extensively' instead of 'widely'?
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.
What is the difference between 'extensive' and 'extensively'?
'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.
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