expansively

[ ik-span-siv-lee ]

adverb

1. in a wide-ranging or comprehensive manner:

   Both directly local and expansively global actions are needed to confront this crisis.

   “Broadband” needs to be defined as expansively as possible—connection speeds that are sufficient for home users are still inadequate for libraries.

2. in an effusive, unrestrained, or open manner:

   She spoke expansively, and at great length, about her plans for the future.

3. across a wide physical or geographical area:

   The band toured expansively through Finland, Sweden, and Denmark.

   Areas of color are applied expansively, restricted only by the physical edges of the canvas.

Other Words From

• non·ex·pan·sive·ly adverb
• o·ver·ex·pan·sive·ly adverb
• un·ex·pan·sive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of expansively¹

expansive ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

One of the clear contrasts in the style of play from former coach Simon Middleton is an effort to play expansively, with the aim to get England’s lethal back three on the ball more.

From BBC

“But when these things came, I found it affirming. It’s recognition that this work has been happening. And it has allowed me to think expansively about my own future.”

From New York Times

When it comes to thinking expansively about the classics, Joshi pointed out, “innovation is on a continuum with tradition.”

From Seattle Times

Smiling expansively and nodding to the crowd, the archduke was riding in an open car through the streets of Sarajevo on the fateful Sunday morning of June 28, 1914.

From Literature

McConnell talked expansively in his speech about the dangers of isolationism, suggesting that more is at stake for U.S. interests than at anytime since the fall of the Berlin Wall.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• broadly
• chiefly
• generally
• mostly
• predominantly
• principally
• widely