Meaning of expand in English

1. Pronunciation

   /ɪkˈspænd/

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1. Verb

   expand

   Etymology

   late Middle English: from Latin expandere‘to spread out’, from ex-‘out’ + pandere‘to spread’

   Definitions

   1. extend in one or more directions

   Examples

   • « The dough expands »

   Antonyms

   • shrink
   • contract
2. 2. become larger in size or volume or quantity

   Examples

   • « his business expanded rapidly »
3. 3. make bigger or wider in size, volume, or quantity

   Examples

   • « expand the house by adding another wing »
4. 4. grow stronger

   Examples

   • « The economy was booming »
5. 5. exaggerate or make bigger

   Examples

   • « The charges were inflated »
6. 6. add details, as to an account or idea

   Examples

   • « clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing »
   • « She elaborated on the main ideas in her dissertation »

   Antonyms

   • abridge
   • foreshorten
   • abbreviate
   • shorten
   • cut
   • contract
   • reduce
7. 7. expand the influence of

   Examples

   • « The King extended his rule to the Eastern part of the continent »