Extension: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when you want to indicate something that is added to make something bigger or longer, often in a physical or temporal sense.

• We built an extension to our house to create more space; The deadline for the project was given a one-week extension

Used in the context of grammar, particularly when referring to an affix added to the end of a word to change its meaning or grammatical function.

• The suffix '-ly' turns an adjective into an adverb; Adding the suffix '-ness' changes 'happy' into 'happiness'

Used when referring to including or adding something extra to a group or collection, especially to improve or complete it.

• We have a new addition to our team; The chef made a delicious addition to the menu

Used to describe something that is attached to a larger or more important body, often implying that it is smaller or less significant.

• The insect's legs are appendages attached to its thorax; The small room felt like an unnecessary appendage to the house

Typically used when referring to adding more time to a deadline or expanding the scope of something. Common in academic, professional, or project settings.

• The professor granted an extension for the assignment submission.
• They applied for an extension on their visa.

Refers to the action of making something last longer than usual, often in a context where this might be undesirable or to specific technical matters.

• The prolongation of the negotiation process frustrated everyone.
• Prolongation of the treatment period may be necessary for complete recovery.

Often used when something is slowed down or postponed unintentionally. Can have a negative connotation if it causes inconvenience.

• The flight was delayed due to bad weather.
• The project faced delays because of supply chain issues.

Best used when talking about officially deciding to delay an event or action to a later time. Often used in formal announcements.

• The meeting's postponement was announced due to unforeseen circumstances.
• They rescheduled the concert following its postponement.

Used primarily for increasing length or duration of something, like a deadline, phone line, or building part.

• They granted an extension for the project deadline
• He added an extension to the house to create a larger living area

Refers to adding something more to an existing thing, commonly used in mathematics or when referring to new components.

• They made an addition to the team by hiring a new member
• The library’s new wing is a remarkable addition to the building

Used to describe a smaller building or section added to a main building, often with formal or historical connotations.

• The company built an annex to accommodate more offices
• The school constructed an annex for the science labs

Often used in the context of connecting one thing to another, like an email attachment or physical object being connected.

• Please find the budget report in the email attachment
• The vacuum cleaner comes with several attachments for different cleaning purposes