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ex·pand

expand

 
 
pronunciation:
ihk spaend
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Explorer
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: expands, expanding, expanded
definition 1: to make larger or more extensive.
The school expanded its library last year and added more computers.These companies are hoping to expand business in Asia.
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synonyms:
enlarge, extend, increase
antonyms:
abridge, compact, compress, contract, deflate, shorten, shrink
similar words:
aggrandize, amplify, augment, broaden, carry, dilate, enhance, escalate, inflate, lengthen, piece, protract, spread, stretch, thicken, widen
definition 2: to spread wide.
The bird expanded its wings and soared above the water.
synonyms:
open, outspread, spread, unfold
similar words:
extend, stretch, unfurl
definition 3: to develop in greater detail.
You should expand the ideas in this paragraph.
synonyms:
amplify, develop, elaborate on, enlarge upon
antonyms:
abridge, condense
similar words:
augment, detail, expound
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to become larger or more extensive.
His waist certainly expanded after he quit playing sports.The company expanded during the 1980s.
synonyms:
augment, enlarge, extend, increase, swell
antonyms:
condense, contract, decrease, shrink
similar words:
belly, broaden, dilate, grow, mushroom, rise, snowball, spread, thicken, wax, widen
definition 2: to express in greater detail (usu. fol. by "on").
I will expand on these ideas in a later chapter.I'm not sure I understand; could you expand a little?
synonyms:
amplify, develop, elaborate on, enlarge upon
similar words:
dilate upon, expound
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derivations: expandable (expandible) (adj.), expanded (adj.), expander (n.)
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