expand

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   To change (something) from a smaller form or size to a larger one

   To change (something) from a smaller form or size to a larger one; to spread out or lay open.

   • You can expand this compact umbrella to cover a large table.
2. 2

   To increase the extent, number, volume or scope of (something).

   • A flower expands its leaves.
   • Then with expanded wings he steers his flight.
   • This has evidently been encouraging, for the current winter timetable - not even with the benefit of summer holiday traffic - shows that the two trains each way have been expanded to four.
3. 3

   To express (something) at length and/or in detail.

4. ›+ 8 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To rewrite (an expression) as a longer, yet equivalent, sum of terms.

      • Use the binomial theorem to expand #123;(x#43;1)#125;⁴.
   2. 5

      To become, by rewriting, a longer, yet equivalent, sum of terms.

      • The expression #123;(x#43;1)#125;⁴ expands to x⁴#43;4x³#43;6x²#43;4x#43;1.
   3. 6

      To multiply both the numerator and the denominator of a fraction by the same (non-zero)…

      To multiply both the numerator and the denominator of a fraction by the same (non-zero) number (which yields a fraction of equal value).

      • Expanding 4#47;7 by 3 gives 12#47;21.
   4. 7

      To change or grow from smaller to larger in form, number, or size.

      • Many materials expand when heated.
      • This compact umbrella expands to cover a large table.
   5. 8

      To increase in extent, number, volume or scope.

   6. 9

      To speak or write at length or in detail.

      • He expanded on his plans for the business.
   7. 10

      To feel generous or optimistic.

   8. 11

      In a hierarchical list (such as a directory tree or table of contents), to show the…

      In a hierarchical list (such as a directory tree or table of contents), to show the subentries of (an entry).

The neighborhood

• synonymenlargeto increase the extent, number, volume or scope of
• synonymelaborateto express at length or in detail
• synonymexpand onto express at length or in detail
• antonymcontractantonym(s) of “to change from a smaller form/size to a larger one”
• antonymlimitantonym(s) of “to increase the extent, number, volume or scope of”
• antonymfactorantonym(s) of
• neighborexpanse
• neighborexpansible
• neighborexpansile
• neighborexpansion
• neighborexpansionism
• neighborexpansive