Expend: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'expendere', which means 'to spend, pay out, or lay out'.
• It is formed from 'ex-' meaning 'out' and 'pendere', meaning 'to hang or weigh', which suggests the idea of weighing something out.
• 'Expend' first appeared in the English language in the late 14th century.

Economics

• In economics, the term often refers to spending for the purpose of investment, as in 'expend resources' to create a return.
• Budgeting involves decisions on how to expend funds effectively to achieve specific goals or projects.
• Government expenditure is a key component of fiscal policy, influencing economic growth.

Psychology

• In psychology, the concept of expending mental energy relates to motivation and the drive to complete tasks.
• Cognitive load theory suggests that expending too much mental effort can lead to fatigue and reduce productivity.
• People often consider their emotional and mental 'expenditure' when discussing feelings of burnout.

Literature

• In literature, the theme of expending life’s resources often appears, illustrating sacrifice or the human condition.
• Authors like John Steinbeck in 'The Grapes of Wrath' depict characters who expend their hopes and dreams through hardship.
• Poetry sometimes uses 'expend' to evoke feelings of loss, great effort, or the act of giving oneself up for a cause.

Pop Culture

• In gaming, 'expend' might refer to using valuable resources or health points to progress through challenges.
• Reality television often showcases contestants expending their personal lives for a shot at fame or a prize.
• Fitness culture emphasizes the importance of expending calories through exercise to achieve health goals.

Ranked #11,611, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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• 11608 teens
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• 11610 insolvency
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• 11613 activate
• 11614 enlarging
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