expand

Meaning

1. (transitive) To change (something) from a smaller form or size to a larger one; to spread out or lay open.
2. (transitive) To increase the extent, number, volume or scope of (something).
3. (transitive) To express (something) at length and/or in detail.
4. (transitive) To rewrite (an expression) as a longer, yet equivalent, sum of terms.
5. (intransitive) To become, by rewriting, a longer, yet equivalent, sum of terms.
6. (transitive) To multiply both the numerator and the denominator of a fraction by the same (non-zero) number (which yields a fraction of equal value).
7. (intransitive) To change or grow from smaller to larger in form, number, or size.
8. (intransitive) To increase in extent, number, volume or scope.
9. (intransitive) To speak or write at length or in detail.
10. (intransitive) To feel generous or optimistic.
11. (transitive) In a hierarchical list (such as a directory tree or table of contents), to show the subentries of (an entry).

Opposite of

collapse

Synonyms

extend

enlarge

spread

increase

swell

widen

grow

stretch

dilate

develop

broaden

open

spread out

inflate

augment

unfold

unroll

amplify

rise

stretch out

diffuse

expansion

grow larger

bulge

bloom

magnify

unfurl

blossom

🌼

reach

strengthen

distend

lengthen

blow up

blow

make wider

aggrandize

wide

elaborate

apply

splay

multiply

intensify

lucubrate

boom

💥

grease

gain

adulterate

flourish

go up

greaten

Translations

espandere

erweitern

ausdehnen

étendre

élargir

développer

aumentar

ampliare

uitbreiden

ampliar

extender

dehnen

estendere

ausbreiten

augmenter

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ɛkˈspænd/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: -

In summary

Recorded in Middle English since 1422 (as expanden, expaunden), from Anglo-Norman espaundre, from Latin expandere (“to spread out”), itself from ex- (“out, outwards”) + pandō (“to spread”). Doublet of spawn.

Sentences

In May the group decided to try to expand their fan base into Russia .