# expansive

/ɪkˈspænsɪv/ (US) · /ɛkspˈænsɪv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/expansive
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. wide in scope

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

covering a wide area or including a lot of information and detail.

For teachers: comprehensive in scope, extent, or detail; covering a vast area.

- The professor gave an expansive talk about the history of the entire region.
- The report provides an expansive overview of the economic factors that contributed to the decade-long recession.

### 2. talkative and friendly

adjective · CEFR C1 · Literary

friendly, open, and willing to talk a lot to other people.

For teachers: characterised by a high degree of sociability, openness, and a willingness to communicate freely.

- After a few glasses of wine, he became very expansive and told us his life story.
- The CEO was in an expansive mood during the dinner, sharing anecdotes that he usually kept private from his staff.

### 3. able to grow

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

having the power or tendency to grow larger or spread out.

For teachers: capable of expanding or tending to expand in size, volume, or quantity.

- The expansive force of the gas caused the container to leak.
- Engineers must account for the expansive properties of the clay soil before laying the building's foundation.

## Examples

- The hotel offers expansive views of the valley.
- The CEO gave an expansive interview where she discussed everything from her childhood to future global trends.
- The professor's latest book provides an expansive history of the region, meticulously documenting the cultural shifts that occurred over five centuries of colonial rule.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.