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

Example Sentences

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

Even though I research extensively and pride myself on accuracy, without direct experience things go wrong.

From Slate • Mar. 28, 2026

As energy exporters accumulated dollar reserves, this allowed the U.S. to borrow extensively and cheaply, what former French president Valery Giscard d’Estaing called its “exorbitant privilege.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

Her research focuses on metabolic bone diseases and skeletal fragility, and she has published extensively on bone remodeling, metabolic bone disorders, and skeletal pain mechanisms.

From Science Daily • Mar. 23, 2026

Woodall had made claims to de Klerk and others that he’d climbed extensively in the Himalaya, including ascents above 26,000 feet.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer

Related Words

• broadly
• largely