Expanse Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
expanse
[ษชkหspรฆns ]
Definitions
outer space
A wide and open area or surface; a vast extent or expanse of something.
Synonyms
breadth, extent, scope, stretch.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| expanse |
Used to describe a large, open area of land, sea, or sky.
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| stretch |
Describes a continuous area or length of something, often used for surfaces or distances.
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| extent |
Used to describe the size, degree, or scope of something.
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| breadth |
Refers to the distance from side to side or the extent of topics and subjects.
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| scope |
Refers to the range of view, thought, or action.
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Examples of usage
- The expanse of the universe is truly mind-boggling.
- She gazed out at the vast expanse of the ocean before her.
land
A wide area of land, water, or sky.
Synonyms
area, region, stretch, territory.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| expanse |
Used to describe a wide and open space, often outdoors and with a sense of vastness.
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| stretch |
Denotes a continuous and extended length of land or space, often linear in nature.
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| area |
Refers to a specific part of a place or a distinct region within a space, emphasizing its defined boundaries.
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| region |
Describes a larger, often geographical or political division, referring to a part of a country or the world.
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| territory |
Refers to an area of land under the jurisdiction of a ruler or state, emphasizing control and governance. Can also be used in a more general sense to describe an area claimed by someone or something.
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Examples of usage
- The expanse of desert stretched out before them.
- The expanse of the sky was breathtaking in its beauty.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Geography
- In geography, 'expanse' often describes large landscapes such as plains, oceans, or the sky.
- The Great Plains in North America are known for their vast expanses of grassland.
- Historical maps often illustrate expanses before any settlements were established.
Literature
- In literature, vast expanses may symbolize freedom, adventure, or the unknown, inviting exploration in stories.
- Authors like John Steinbeck use the imagery of open expanses to evoke feelings of loneliness and longing.
- Romantic poets often celebrated natureโs beauty, describing the expanse of the sea or sky in their works.
Art
- Artists like Caspar David Friedrich portrayed expansive landscapes to capture the sublime beauty of nature.
- In visual arts, the concept of expanse can evoke feelings of tranquility or insignificance in the face of nature.
- Modern art movement abstraction sometimes emphasizes expanse through color and form, creating feelings of openness.
Science
- In astronomy, 'expanse' may refer to the vastness of space, where distances between celestial bodies are immense.
- The concept of dark energy relates to the expanse of the universe and its ongoing expansion.
- Geophysical studies often analyze the expanse of Earth's surface, including landforms and bodies of water.
Origin of 'expanse'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin 'expansus', which means 'spread out' or 'stretched'.
- It entered the English language in the late 14th century, originally describing broad areas.
- The root 'pan' in 'expanse' relates to 'spreading', as seen in words like 'panorama'.
The word 'expanse' originated from the Latin word 'expannus', which means 'spread out'. It first appeared in the English language in the 15th century. Over time, 'expanse' has come to represent a wide and open area, whether it be in outer space or on land.
See also: expand, expandable, expanded, expanding, expansion, expansionist, expansive.