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

“Map updates include community input to ensure local knowledge and areas of concern are incorporated,” the representative said, adding that maps are subject to extensive review.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Today, tribal members say L.A.’s extensive use of water has transformed the landscape, desiccating many springs and meadows, killing native grasses and altering the ecosystem.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"FAA safety inspectors conducted extensive reviews of Boeing's production lines to ensure that this small production rate increase will be done safely," the FAA said.

Read more on Barron's

But Biden’s sanctions, though extensive, exempted Russian oil exports.

Read more on Barron's

The regulator’s safety inspectors conducted extensive reviews of Boeing’s production lines to ensure the jet maker’s requested production rate increase will be done safely, an FAA spokesperson said Friday.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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