extensive

[ ik-sten-siv ]

adjective

1. of great extent; wide, broad:

   an extensive area.

   Synonyms: vast, ample, spacious, large, extended

   Antonyms: confined, narrow, limited

2. covering or extending over a great area:

   extensive travels.

3. far-reaching; comprehensive; thorough:

   extensive knowledge.

   Antonyms: parochial, confined, narrow, limited

4. lengthy:

   an extensive journey.

5. great in amount, number, or degree:

   an extensive fortune; extensive political influence.

6. of or having extension:

   Space is extensive, time durational.

7. noting or pertaining to a system of agriculture involving the use or cultivation of large areas of land with a minimum of labor and expense ( intensive ).

extensive

/ ɪkˈstɛnsɪv /

adjective

1. having a large extent, area, scope, degree, etc; vast

   an extensive inheritance

   extensive deserts

2. widespread

   extensive coverage in the press

3. agriculture involving or farmed with minimum expenditure of capital or labour, esp depending on a large area of land Compare intensive
4. physics of or relating to a property, measurement, etc, of a macroscopic system that is proportional to the size of the system Compare intensive

   heat is an extensive property

5. logic
   1. of or relating to logical extension
   2. (of a definition) in terms of the objects to which the term applies rather than its meaning

Derived Forms

• exˈtensively, adverb
• exˈtensiveness, noun

Other Words From

• ex·ten·sive·ly adverb
• ex·ten·sive·ness ex·ten·siv·i·ty [ek-sten-, siv, -i-tee, ik-], noun
• non·ex·ten·sive adjective
• non·ex·ten·sive·ness noun
• pre·ex·ten·sive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of extensive¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Late Latin extēnsīvus, equivalent to Latin extēns(us) (past participle of extendere “to stretch out”) + -īvus adjective suffix; extend, -ive

Example Sentences

Storm Bert is the latest intense spell of weather that has caused extensive damage in various parts of the UK.

From BBC

“We have seen significant inflation in recent years, as well as extensive material cost increases following the Covid pandemic. This ultimately translates into higher service charges,” the RFA said in a statement.

From BBC

The force also said it was awaiting a tanker to clear the A350, which is closed in both directions between Bumpers Farm roundabout and Cepen Way South roundabout due to extensive flooding.

From BBC

But city officials are hopeful that extensive “winterization efforts,” which include improving drainage, filling in cracks and lining canyon walls, can help minimize the effect of any new rain.

From Los Angeles Times

The main one being putting together an extensive Thanksgiving dinner menu complete with appetizers, main entrees, sides and desserts.

From Salon

Related Words

• broad
• comprehensive
• considerable
• expanded
• huge
• large
• large-scale
• lengthy
• major
• pervasive
• protracted
• sweeping
• vast
• voluminous
• wide-ranging