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Expansion: meaning, definitions and examples

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expansion

 

[ɪkˈspænʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in technology

The action of becoming larger or more extensive.

Synonyms

extension, growth, increase.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
expansion

This word is used to describe something that is growing in size, scope, or scale, often related to physical space or business. It suggests a considerable enlargement or development.

  • The company's expansion into new markets has been very successful.
  • City expansion has led to the development of new residential areas.
growth

Primarily used when referring to the process of increasing in size, number, value, or strength. It can describe natural processes, business metrics, or personal development.

  • The steady growth of the seedlings is a positive sign.
  • The company has seen rapid growth in its customer base.
increase

Refers to a rise in amount, number, or degree. It is often used to describe quantifiable changes and can apply to a wide range of contexts such as prices, levels, measurements, and statistics.

  • The increase in prices has put a strain on many households.
  • There was a significant increase in the temperature yesterday.
extension

This term is often used to describe the process of making something last longer or reach farther in terms of time, space, or effort. It frequently applies to deadlines, contracts, or physical spaces.

  • The deadline for the project has been granted a two-week extension.
  • They are planning an extension of the main building for additional office space.

Examples of usage

  • The expansion of the company led to the opening of new offices worldwide.
  • The expansion of the internet has revolutionized the way we communicate.
Context #2 | Noun

in economics

An increase in the level of economic activity, characterized by rising output and employment levels.

Synonyms

development, growth, prosperity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
expansion

Use when referring to enlarging or increasing in size, volume, or scope, typically in business, territories, or physical properties.

  • The company announced the expansion of its operations into new markets.
  • The city plans a significant expansion of its public transportation system.
growth

Best suited for describing an increase in size, number, or importance, often in regards to populations, economies, or individuals.

  • The country's growth rate has surpassed expectations.
  • Personal growth is an important part of life.
development

Appropriate for describing progress, improvement, or the process of unfolding an idea, project, or area.

  • The development of new technologies is crucial for the future.
  • She plays a key role in the development of the community program.
prosperity

Used to describe a state of success, wealth, and flourishing, often in economic contexts.

  • The new policies aim to bring prosperity to the nation.
  • After years of hard work, he finally enjoyed a period of prosperity.

Examples of usage

  • The government aims to stimulate economic expansion through investment and infrastructure projects.
  • The country experienced rapid expansion in the manufacturing sector.
Context #3 | Noun

in mathematics

The process of multiplying a quantity by a factor.

Synonyms

dilation, enlargement, multiplication.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
expansion

Used to refer to the process of increasing in size, number, or importance over time. Commonly used in business, economics, and physical contexts.

  • The company's expansion into new markets has been successful.
  • The expansion of the universe is a fascinating topic in astronomy.
multiplication

Mostly used in mathematical contexts to refer to the process of combining quantities or numbers to get a total. Can also be used metaphorically.

  • The students are learning multiplication tables in math class.
  • There was a rapid multiplication of problems after the policy change.
dilation

Often used in a medical or physiological context to describe the process of becoming wider, larger, or more open.

  • The doctor noticed the dilation of the patient's pupils.
  • During labor, cervical dilation is a crucial indicator of progression.
enlargement

Typically used to describe the act or result of making something larger. Can be used in both everyday and medical contexts.

  • The enlargement of the photograph revealed more details.
  • The doctor discussed the potential causes of liver enlargement with the patient.

Examples of usage

  • The expansion of (x + y)^2 is x^2 + 2xy + y^2.
  • The expansion of a binomial involves finding the product of each term.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'expansio', meaning 'to spread out'.
  • It combines 'ex-' meaning 'out' and 'pandere' meaning 'to spread'.
  • This term was first recorded in English around the early 15th century.

Science

  • In physics, 'expansion' refers to the increase in size due to heating, such as thermal expansion in materials.
  • The universe is constantly expanding, a discovery made by astronomer Edwin Hubble in the 20th century.
  • In biology, population expansion refers to the growth of species numbers in an ecosystem.

Economics

  • Economic expansion is a period when the economy grows, marked by increases in employment and production.
  • It's typically followed by a phase of 'contraction' or recession.
  • The 2008 financial crisis led to a significant impact on global economic expansion that lasted several years.

Cultural Impact

  • The concept of territorial expansion was significant in history, notably during colonial times.
  • Countries often pursue expansionist policies to increase their influence and resources.
  • In the arts, the theme of expansion can symbolize personal growth or societal changes.

Literature

  • In storytelling, themes of expansion often relate to character development, where characters grow beyond their initial circumstances.
  • The 'expansion' of a narrative universe can be seen in franchises like Marvel, where stories encompass multiple characters and plots.
  • Classic literature often explores the idea of self-expansion through quests or journeys undertaken by the protagonist.

Translations

Translations of the word "expansion" in other languages:

🇵🇹 expansão

🇮🇳 विस्तार

🇩🇪 Erweiterung

🇮🇩 perluasan

🇺🇦 розширення

🇵🇱 rozszerzenie

🇯🇵 拡張 (kakuchou)

🇫🇷 expansion

🇪🇸 expansión

🇹🇷 genişleme

🇰🇷 확장 (hwakjang)

🇸🇦 توسع (tawassu')

🇨🇿 rozšíření

🇸🇰 rozšírenie

🇨🇳 扩展 (kuòzhǎn)

🇸🇮 razširitev

🇮🇸 útvíkkun

🇰🇿 кеңейту

🇬🇪 გაფართოება (gafartoeba)

🇦🇿 genişlənmə

🇲🇽 expansión

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,770, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.