Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Extend: meaning, definitions and examples

📏
Add to dictionary

extend

 

[ɪkˈstɛnd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

to make longer

To extend means to make something longer in length or duration. It can also refer to stretching out or reaching further. Extending can be physical, like extending a hand, or metaphorical, like extending a deadline.

Synonyms

expand, lengthen, prolong, stretch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
extend

Commonly used when increasing the range, area, or scope of something or when making something longer in time or space.

  • We need to extend the deadline to give everyone more time to complete the project.
  • The company plans to extend its services to new markets.
lengthen

Used when making something longer in terms of distance or duration.

  • We had to lengthen the skirt by a few inches.
  • The teacher decided to lengthen the class by fifteen minutes to cover all the material.
prolong

Generally used when emphasizing the negative aspect of making something longer in duration, often unnecessarily or undesirably.

  • The medication can help to prolong the patient's life.
  • They tried to prolong the meeting with unnecessary discussions.
stretch

Often used when pulling something to make it longer or wider, or when extending a concept or resource to its limits.

  • He tried to stretch the truth to make the story more interesting.
  • The workout routine included exercises to stretch the muscles.
expand

Often used when making something larger in size, number, or importance, usually by adding more elements or details.

  • The business is looking to expand its operations in Europe.
  • They plan to expand their product line next year.

Examples of usage

  • She extended her arm to reach the book on the top shelf.
  • The company decided to extend the project deadline by another week.
Context #2 | Noun

a part that is added to something to enlarge or prolong it

As a noun, an extend refers to a part that is added to something to enlarge or prolong it. For example, a hair extension adds length to hair, a deadline extension prolongs a due date, and a room extension enlarges a building.

Synonyms

addition, enlargement, expansion, prolongation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
extend

Used when making something larger in terms of length or time.

  • They decided to extend the deadline for the project
  • The company plans to extend the road to connect both towns
addition

Used when something extra is added, not necessarily increasing in size but more in numbers or elements.

  • They made an addition to the staff by hiring three new employees
  • The new addition to the building includes a cafeteria
expansion

Implies a significant growth or increase in scope, size, or extent, often in economic or physical space contexts.

  • The company's expansion into new markets was successful
  • The expansion of the universe is a fascinating subject in astronomy
prolongation

Specifically refers to lengthening the duration of something, often projects or events. Sometimes can have a negative connotation if something is made to last longer than necessary.

  • The meeting's prolongation caused frustration among the attendees
  • The project experienced a prolongation due to unforeseen issues
enlargement

Usually refers to making something physically bigger or more significant in magnitude.

  • The enlargement of the photograph made it clearer to see
  • The city's enlargement came with new infrastructure and businesses

Examples of usage

  • She got hair extensions to make her hair longer.
  • The company agreed to a deadline extension for the project.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'extendere', where 'ex' means 'out' and 'tendere' means 'to stretch'.
  • The term has been used in English since the late 14th century, originally meaning to spread out or stretch long.

Science

  • In biology, organisms can 'extend' their limbs or body parts to adapt to their environment, like an octopus reaching out its tentacles.
  • In physics, forces can extend objects, like how tension in a rope affects its length.

Technology

  • In computer programming, to 'extend' a function means to add new capabilities to existing functions, improving software performance.
  • Many software applications have 'extendable' frameworks allowing developers to add features easily.

Arts

  • In visual arts, extending a canvas refers to increasing its size to create larger compositions, allowing for more expansive creativity.
  • Musicians often extend songs by adding more verses or choruses, enriching the listening experience.

Psychology

  • Extending time in social situations can impact our relationships, as spending longer with someone helps deepen connections.
  • Research suggests that when people feel they have more time, they tend to be more generous and less stressed.

Translations

Translations of the word "extend" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estender

🇮🇳 विस्तारित करना

🇩🇪 erweitern

🇮🇩 memperluas

🇺🇦 розширити

🇵🇱 rozszerzyć

🇯🇵 拡張する (kakuchō suru)

🇫🇷 étendre

🇪🇸 extender

🇹🇷 uzatmak

🇰🇷 확장하다 (hwakjanghada)

🇸🇦 تمديد (tamdid)

🇨🇿 rozšířit

🇸🇰 rozšíriť

🇨🇳 扩展 (kuòzhǎn)

🇸🇮 razširiti

🇮🇸 stækka

🇰🇿 кеңейту

🇬🇪 გაფართოება (gafart'oeba)

🇦🇿 genişləndirmək

🇲🇽 extender

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,969, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.