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Extent: meaning, definitions and examples

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extent

 

[ɪkˈstɛnt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

measurement

The area covered by something, especially land or a piece of land.

Synonyms

magnitude, range, scope.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
extent

Used to describe the size, length, or degree of something, often in a measurable way.

  • The extent of the damage was significant
  • She didn't realize the full extent of the problem
scope

Describes the extent or boundaries of a subject or activity, often used in planning or project contexts.

  • The scope of the project is limited to Europe
  • We need to define the scope of our research
range

Indicates a variety or a spectrum of things, often used to show diversity or a span between two points.

  • The bookstore has a wide range of books
  • Our services cover a range of industries
magnitude

Describes the large size, importance, or impact of something, often used in scientific or formal contexts.

  • The magnitude of the earthquake was 7
  • We need to understand the magnitude of our actions

Examples of usage

  • The extent of the damage caused by the hurricane was enormous.
  • They were shocked by the extent of the forest destruction.
  • The extent of the problem became clear after further investigation.
Context #2 | Noun

degree

The degree to which something happens or is likely to happen.

Synonyms

degree, level.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
extent

Utilized to describe the size, scale, or scope of something, often in a measurable or observable manner.

  • The extent of the damage was surprising
  • She was not aware of the full extent of his wealth
level

Often used to indicate a particular stage, position, or rank within a graded scale or hierarchy, frequently in educational, professional, or technical domains.

  • She has reached an advanced level in her studies
  • The water level in the lake has risen
degree

Applied to indicate the intensity, amount, or level of something, often used in contexts involving measurement or comparison of attributes.

  • To some degree, I agree with you
  • He showed a high degree of enthusiasm

Examples of usage

  • To what extent are you willing to go to achieve your goals?
  • The extent of his knowledge on the subject is impressive.
  • I can't predict the extent of the impact this decision will have.
Context #3 | Verb

achieve

To achieve or carry out to the full or to the necessary extent.

Synonyms

expand, lengthen, prolong.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
extent

Use this word when referring to the overall area or scope of something, whether it be physical dimensions, duration, or magnitude. It's often used in more formal contexts.

  • The full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed.
  • Her influence extends far beyond the company.
lengthen

This word specifically refers to making something longer in terms of time or physical length. It is often used in more mechanical or process-oriented contexts.

  • The tailor will lengthen the hem of the dress.
  • We need to lengthen the meeting to cover all the topics.
expand

This term is best used when talking about increasing the size, volume, or scope of something. It's often used in contexts dealing with growth and development.

  • The company plans to expand its operations to Europe.
  • The universe continues to expand.
prolong

This term is mainly used to indicate extending something, often with a negative or unwelcome connotation, such as delaying the end of something.

  • The medication can prolong his life by several months.
  • Let's not prolong this discussion unnecessarily.

Examples of usage

  • He extended his hand to help her up.
  • The company plans to extend its services to more regions.
  • The deadline was extended to accommodate all participants.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'extent' comes from the Latin word 'extendere,' which means to stretch out.
  • In Old French, the word evolved to 'estent,' influencing its modern form.
  • The concept has been used in English since the 14th century to express measurement in space and amount.

Science

  • In geography, 'extent' refers to the area of land that a particular feature covers, like a mountain range or river.
  • In ecology, it can describe the range of habitats an organism occupies, indicating biodiversity.
  • Astronomers use 'extent' to measure the size of celestial bodies or regions of space.

Literature

  • In poetry, the extent of feelings or emotions often captures the depth of human experience.
  • Writers often explore the extent of societal issues, using characters’ journeys to reveal broader truths.
  • The extent of a story can be a central theme, examining how far a character will go to achieve their goals.

Psychology

  • The concept of extent is important in discussions of human emotions—understanding how far feelings can stretch in various situations.
  • When assessing personal relationships, many examine the extent of trust and loyalty between individuals.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy explores the extent to which thoughts affect emotions and behavior.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and TV often explore the extent of human endurance in survival stories, showcasing extreme scenarios.
  • In music, songs frequently speak about the extent of love or heartbreak, resonating with many listeners.
  • Graphic novels and comics sometimes illustrate the extent of heroism or villainy, capturing complex moral dilemmas.

Translations

Translations of the word "extent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 extensão

🇮🇳 प्रसार

🇩🇪 Umfang

🇮🇩 luas

🇺🇦 обсяг

🇵🇱 zakres

🇯🇵 範囲

🇫🇷 étendue

🇪🇸 extensión

🇹🇷 kapsam

🇰🇷 범위

🇸🇦 مدى

🇨🇿 rozsah

🇸🇰 rozsah

🇨🇳 范围

🇸🇮 obseg

🇮🇸 umfang

🇰🇿 көлемі

🇬🇪 მასშტაბი

🇦🇿 həcm

🇲🇽 extensión

Word Frequency Rank

At #562 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.