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.
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
The careers of Mr Escobar and Mrs Camprubí Montal saw them travel extensively.
From BBC • Apr. 11, 2025
We travel extensively, not only to experience new adventures but also to explore and savor the diverse cuisines of the world.
From Salon • Sep. 15, 2024
The AP is the first news organization to travel extensively with Zelenskyy since the war began just over a year ago.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 28, 2023
Americans travel extensively, but it is evident from the foregoing comparisons that the possibility of developing the passenger service in this country has by no means reached its limit.
From Up To Date Business Home Study Circle Library Series (Volume II.) by Eaton, Seymour
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
