Expand: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in situations involving the increase in size, volume, or scope of something, such as businesses, ideas, or physical objects.

• The company plans to expand its operations to new markets
• Her knowledge on the subject continues to expand

Generally used to describe the gradual or smooth revealing or development of events, stories, or objects, like a story plot or a physical item being opened.

• As the story unfolds, the characters grow more complex
• She watched the map unfold on the table

Often used when referring to lengthening time, space, or duration, such as deadlines, invitations, or physical dimensions.

• The deadline for the project has been extended by two weeks
• They decided to extend their stay at the hotel

Typically used in more informal settings to describe the action of making something accessible or starting to allow new possibilities, often used with people becoming more communicative.

• She began to open up about her experiences
• The government decided to open up the country to foreign investors