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

Rumors — vague, unsubstantiated — were a source of incessant dirt-dishing among political insiders and also circulated extensively online.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Lorenze and Paul will have to manage the renovations of their new abode while also balancing the tennis pro’s hectic work schedule, which requires him to travel extensively for much of the year.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 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

Inflammatory bowel disease, which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, has not been studied extensively when it comes to diet.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

For the last 33 years, while conducting biological exploration in New Guinea, I have been spending my field time there constantly in the company of New Guineans who still use wild plants and animals extensively.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Related Words

• broadly
• largely