expand
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents
English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
Recorded in Middle English since 1422, from Anglo-Norman espaundre, from Latin expandere present active infinitive of expandō (“to spread out”), itself from ex- (“out, outwards”) + pandō (“to spread”).
Pronunciation[edit]
Verb[edit]
expand (third-person singular simple present expands, present participle expanding, simple past and past participle expanded)
- (transitive) To change (something) from a smaller form and/or size to a larger one.
- You can expand this compact umbrella to cover a large table.
- (transitive) To increase the extent, number, volume or scope of (something).
- A flower expands its leaves.
- John Milton (1608-1674)
- Then with expanded wings he steers his flight.
- (transitive) To express (something) at length and/or in detail.
- (transitive, algebra) To rewrite (an expression) as a longer, yet equivalent sum of terms.
- Use the binomial theorem to expand (x+1)4 to x4 + 4x3 + 6x2 + 4x + 1.
- (transitive, arithmetic) To multiply both the numerator and the denominator of a fraction by the same natural number yielding a fraction of equal value
- (intransitive) To (be) change(d) from a smaller form/size to a larger one.
- Many materials expand when heated.
- This compact umbrella expands to cover a large table.
- (intransitive) To (be) increase(d) in extent, number, volume or scope.
- (intransitive) To speak or write at length or in detail.
- He's so pedantic, he expands on everything!
-
1899, Stephen Crane, chapter 1, in Twelve O'Clock:
- 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 […].”
- (intransitive) To feel generous or optimistic.
Synonyms[edit]
- (to change from a smaller form/size to a larger one): open out, spread, spread out, unfold
- (to increase the extent, number, volume or scope of): enlarge
- (to express at length or in detail): elaborate (on), expand on
Antonyms[edit]
- (to change from a smaller form/size to a larger one): contract
- (to increase the extent, number, volume or scope of): contract
- (algebra: to rewrite as an equivalent sum of terms): factor
Derived terms[edit]
Related terms[edit]
Translations[edit]
(transitive) to change from a smaller form/size to a larger one
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(transitive) to increase the extent, number, volume or scope of'
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(transitive) to express at length or in detail
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(transitive) algebra: to rewrite as an equivalent sum of terms
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(intransitive) to (be) change(d) from a smaller form/size to a larger one
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(intransitive) to (be) increase(d) in extent, number, volume or scope
(intransitive) to speak or write at length or in detail
(intransitive) to feel generous or optimistic
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(intransitive) algebra: to rewrite as an equivalent sum of terms
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