extensive

[ik-sten-siv]

adjective

1. of great extent; wide, broad.

   an extensive area.

   Synonyms: vast, ample, spacious, large, extended
   Antonyms: confined, narrow, narrow, limited

2. covering or extending over a great area.

   extensive travels.

3. far-reaching; comprehensive; thorough.

   extensive knowledge.

   Antonyms: parochial, confined, narrow, 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

   extensive deserts

   an extensive inheritance

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

Other Word Forms

• extensively adverb
• extensiveness noun
• extensivity noun
• nonextensive adjective
• nonextensiveness noun
• preextensive 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

“This year was harder than ever, to get to this point,” said third baseman Max Muncy, who missed extensive time himself with knee and oblique injuries.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s also animated to look as if he’s had extensive plastic surgery and he speaks with a strained voice, as if he can’t move his face.

From Los Angeles Times

The team states the facility will also feature an outdoor spa, indoor hydrotherapy suites, dedicated nap rooms, wellness spaces for yoga or mediation, and extensive use of natural light and retractable doors.

From Los Angeles Times

Prof Bell's research gives extensive detail on earnings five years after they graduate.

From BBC

The referendum was mired by extensive evidence of Russian meddling – including cash being smuggled into the country to buy votes.

From BBC

Related Words

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