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.

---

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

No surprise, really: To listen to earlier stuff by Dan + Shay, Bieber’s collaborators on “10,000 Hours,” is to hear how extensively white-soul singing had reshaped country by the early 2010s.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

Dimon also discussed extensively other issues, including AI, banking regulations and even the migration of the bank’s employees from New York City to Texas.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

Ms. Latifi, a journalist who has written extensively on the subject, describes the world as a fun-house version of domesticity, where family life resembles a business arrangement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Apart from bottled water and beverages, PET packaging is also used extensively in industries like beauty, pharmaceuticals and even in restaurants and food delivery as customers seek out convenience and affordability.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

I had spoken extensively with both Coetsee and Dr. Barnard about this meeting, and they had always advised me to avoid controversial issues with the president.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• broadly
• largely