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.

---

Other Word Forms

• nonextensively adverb
• preextensively adverb

Etymology

Origin of extensively

extensive ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

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

From Slate • Mar. 28, 2026

Traveling extensively with her archaeologist husband in Mesopotamia, Christie was adamant that “all I needed was a steady table and a typewriter.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 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

McCullagh's return journey is extensively captured by CCTV.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

“We will be communicating extensively over the next thirty days. My job is to monitor and approve all spending.”

From "Millionaires for the Month" by Stacey McAnulty

Related Words

• broadly
• largely