Skip to main content

expand — to become larger in size, volume, or scope

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to become larger in size, volume, or scope

Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪkˈspænd/

Example Sentences

  • My stomach expanded so much after the buffet that I looked like a balloon!
  • The universe continues to expand, just like my homework pile.
  • The government plans to expand public transportation to reduce traffic congestion.

expand

VERB

[/ɪkˈspænd/]

to become larger in size, volume, or scope

The company expanded its business into three new countries.
💡 Concept

The company expanded its business into three new countries.

Opening the box expanded into a room full of surprises. (EXPAND → EX + PANDORA → opening Pandora's box expands into many surprises.)
🧠 Mnemonic

Opening the box expanded into a room full of surprises. (EXPAND → EX + PANDORA → opening Pandora's box expands into many surprises.)

The company expanded to meet growing demand after the manager gave the command.
🎵 Rhyme

The company expanded to meet growing demand after the manager gave the command.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ɪkˈspænd/
🇬🇧 UK/ɪkˈspænd/

🌳Etymology

Prefixex--
Rootpand
Suffix-없음

Origin

From Latin 'expandere', formed by combining 'ex-' (out) and 'pandere' (to spread or stretch). The word entered English in the 15th century through French influence.

Breakdown

ex- (out) + pand (spread/stretch) + -ed (past tense) = expanded; or ex- (out) + pand (spread) = expand

🎵Rhyme

command
demand
strand
brand
grand

🔗Collocations

expand rapidly

“The tech industry expanded rapidly in the 1990s.”

expand one's knowledge

“Reading books helps expand one's knowledge.”

expand the market

“They want to expand the market for organic food.”

expand on the topic

“The professor asked me to expand on the topic.”

expand internationally

“Many Korean companies expand internationally.”

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My stomach expanded so much after the buffet that I looked like a balloon!”

😄 Fun example

“The universe continues to expand, just like my homework pile.”

“The government plans to expand public transportation to reduce traffic congestion.”

“Scientists discovered that heated metals expand when temperature rises.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.