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Expand vs Extend - What's the difference?

expand | extend |

Extend is a synonym of expand.



In transitive terms the difference between expand and extend

is that expand is to express (something) at length and/or in detail while extend is to straighten (a limb).

In intransitive terms the difference between expand and extend

is that expand is to feel generous or optimistic while extend is to possess a certain extent.

expand

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • (label) To change (something) from a smaller form and/or size to a larger one.
  • (label) To increase the extent, number, volume or scope of (something).
  • * (John Milton) (1608-1674)
  • Then with expanded wings he steers his flight.
  • (label) To express (something) at length and/or in detail.
  • To rewrite (an expression) as a longer, yet equivalent sum of terms.
  • To multiply both the numerator and the denominator of a fraction by the same natural number yielding a fraction of equal value
  • (label) To (be) change(d) from a smaller form/size to a larger one.
  • (label) To (be) increase(d) in extent, number, volume or scope.
  • (label) To speak or write at length or in detail.
  • *{{quote-book, year=1899, author=(Stephen Crane)
  • , title=, chapter=1 , passage=There was some laughter, and Roddle was left free to expand his ideas on the periodic visits of cowboys to the town. “Mason Rickets, he had ten big punkins a-sittin' in front of his store, an' them fellers from the Upside-down-F ranch shot 'em up […].”}}
  • (label) To feel generous or optimistic.
  • Synonyms

    * open out, spread, spread out, unfold * enlarge * (to express at length or in detail) elaborate (on), expand on

    Antonyms

    * contract * contract * factor

    Derived terms

    * expandable * expander

    extend

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To increase in extent.
  • To possess a certain extent.
  • To cause to increase in extent.
  • To cause to last for a longer period of time.
  • To straighten (a limb).
  • To bestow; to offer; to impart; to apply.
  • to extend sympathy to the suffering
  • To increase in quantity by weakening or adulterating additions.
  • to extend liquors
  • (UK, legal) To value, as lands taken by a writ of extent in satisfaction of a debt; to assign by writ of extent.
  • Synonyms

    * enlarge * expand * increase * lengthen * stretch * widen

    Derived terms

    * extendible (adjective) * extensible (adjective) * extensive (adjective) * extension * extent

    Anagrams

    *