expansively

American  

[ik-span-siv-lee] / ɪkˈspæn sɪv li /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• nonexpansively adverb
• overexpansively adverb
• unexpansively adverb

Etymology

Origin of expansively

expansive ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

“COVID required all companies to think much more expansively about talent — how you get it, how you keep it,” said Kelliher.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

Americans, it seems, have lost the ability to think creatively and expansively about the constitution, and our ability to amend it.

From Slate • Sep. 6, 2025

But Axar and Shreyas, whose partnership came from 136 balls, expertly rotated the strike calmly and adjusted to the tricky surface which enabled Hardik to play more expansively in the closing overs.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2025

Unlike the New York Times, which concealed its ideological convictions under a suit-and-tie façade of objectivity, the Voice was resolutely committed to impassioned advocacy — the more expansively personal, the better.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2024

“Have some coffee, Yitzchak. It is a long way through the forest from the shtetl to here, and even longer to Fayge’s village,” Shmuel said, gesturing expansively with his hand.

From "The Devil's Arithmetic" by Jane Yolen

Related Words

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