extensively

American  

[ik-sten-siv-lee] / ɪkˈstɛn sɪv li /

adverb

1. so as to cover a wide range or area; broadly.

   He reads and travels extensively and is regarded as one of the best-informed men anywhere.

2. in a far-reaching, comprehensive way; thoroughly.

   All the science departments have been extensively renovated, with new tutorial rooms and well-equipped laboratories.

3. at great length or in great detail.

   He spoke extensively about the threats his daughter faces as a transgender individual.

4. to a great degree or in great amounts or numbers; a lot.

   Although the river is used extensively by boaters, no official map has been developed to show the best places to dock, things to see, and hazards to avoid.

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Other Word Forms

• nonextensively
  adverb
• preextensively
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of extensively

extensive ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

Something that happens extensively occurs in a wide or broad way — on a large scale or across a large area. When a hurricane extensively affects a state, the damage is spread over many miles. You might decide to extensively edit your anthropology paper after reading the one your friend wrote, or brag that your band will be touring extensively this summer, covering the entire Midwest. In either case, your effort is on a large scale. Extensively comes from the adjective extensive, and both words are rooted in the Latin extendere, "stretch out," from ex, "out," and tendere, "to stretch."

Example Sentences

Extensively trained in crowd management, de-escalation and restraint, SRG is the right choice to police protests around the city.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

Extensively covered by the media, the claim prompted congressional hearings, caused vaccination rates to drop and energized vaccine opponents.

From Washington Post • Sep. 10, 2020

Extensively renovated during Garth’s ownership, the Modernist-vibe house hit the market in July for $4.495 million and had an offer in hand in about a week, real estate records show.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 28, 2018

Extensively researched, the 400-page hardbound book highlights the artists within while rescuing from history dozens of essential photographs of musicians in their element.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 30, 2015

He Loves Extensively I saw no more of Stella for a lengthy while, since within two days of the events recorded it pleased my mother to seek out another summer resort.

From The Cords of Vanity A Comedy of Shirking by Cabell, James Branch

Related Words

• broadly
• largely