extensively
Americanadverb
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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.
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in a far-reaching, comprehensive way; thoroughly.
All the science departments have been extensively renovated, with new tutorial rooms and well-equipped laboratories.
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at great length or in great detail.
He spoke extensively about the threats his daughter faces as a transgender individual.
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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
Etymology
Origin of extensively
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The controversy followed a rocky first appearance as White House press secretary on Tuesday, when Zacharia read extensively from prepared notes during a briefing lasting just 14 minutes.
From Barron's ● Oct. 14, 2026
The sprawling grounds have been extensively landscaped, creating a private setting around the residence while also taking advantage of the property’s views over the surrounding area.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 12, 2026
Government-owned carriers FlyDubai, Emirates and Etihad continued operating much more extensively across the region than many international rivals.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 4, 2026
Pushpa Sundar, who briefly served as a civil servant and has written extensively on development issues, says officers can face political pressure and transfers when they refuse to comply with demands.
From BBC ● Sep. 27, 2026
But all the Yiddish papers quoted him extensively.
From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
