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

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

If a partnership were to happen, it would mark a departure from Apple’s traditional manufacturing playbook, as the company has partnered extensively with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.

From MarketWatch • May 5, 2026

Creatine is one of the most extensively studied dietary supplements and is generally considered safe for healthy individuals.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

“I have worked extensively with issues of competency, insanity and mentally disordered offenders, requiring close collaboration with medical experts and careful application of nuanced legal standards,” he said in an email.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

At Ipsos, it is used extensively in market research.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

Wacquant has written extensively about the cyclical nature of racial caste in America.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

Related Words

• broadly
• largely