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extend

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ɪkˈstɛnd// UK //ɛkstˈɛnd// ex·tend General-service

v. to make something longer or larger, or to make it last for a longer time. You can use it for physical objects, time periods, or even an invitation.

v. to cause something to reach out or stretch to a greater length or duration; to offer or proffer something such as an invitation or gratitude.


SIMPLE

The school decided to extend the summer holidays by one week.

CONTEXTUAL

The government plans to extend the new highway all the way to the northern border to improve trade.

COMPLEX

The board of directors voted to extend a formal invitation to the former CEO, hoping her expertise would help stabilize the company during the transition.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English extenden, from Anglo-Norman extendre, estendre, from Latin extendō (“to stretch out”).

Usage

The verb is transitive when referring to length or duration, but can be intransitive when describing a physical reach or range.

Pitfall

extend the deadline for two daysextend the deadline by two daysWhen describing the amount of extra time added, use the preposition 'by' instead of 'for'.

Idioms1 entry

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