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

The extensive treatment and purification process, in addition to testing, will ensure that the drinking water will be “incredibly safe once it’s pumped out and served to our customers,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

The firm added that was health and safety was its "highest priority" and the incident led to an "extensive internal review".

From BBC

The Night Watch has been treated at least 25 times - but this latest research and restoration project is the most extensive so far.

From BBC

Tuesday's hearing laid out the areas of focus for an extensive inquiry which is due to begin in full in April 2025.

From BBC

Trump is said to have warned the Russian president against escalating the war in Ukraine and mentioned America's extensive military presence in Europe.

From BBC

Related Words

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