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REFERENCE

extensive

adj.
US //ɪkˈstɛnsɪv// UK //ɛkstˈɛnsɪv// ex·ten·sive
  1. 1 covering a large area (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    covering a very large physical space or area.

    covering a vast physical area or extent; having great spatial dimensions.

    Example

    The hotel has extensive grounds with several gardens and a private lake.

    Example

    The property includes extensive woodlands that stretch for several miles along the northern border of the estate.

  2. 2 wide in scope (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    including a lot of information, details, or different parts.

    comprehensive in scope or detail; covering a wide range of topics or elements.

    Example

    The police conducted an extensive search of the area to find the missing keys.

    Example

    The researcher provided extensive documentation to support her claims, citing over two hundred independent studies from the last decade.

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  1. 3 large in amount (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    large in amount or degree.

    considerable in amount, degree, or magnitude.

    Example

    The storm caused extensive damage to the roofs of many houses.

    Example

    The fire resulted in extensive repairs being necessary before the gallery could reopen to the public.

  2. 4 thermodynamics (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    describes a property that changes depending on how much matter is in a system.

    relating to a physical property whose value is proportional to the amount of material in the system, such as mass or volume.

    Example

    Mass is an extensive property because it increases as you add more of a substance.

    Example

    In thermodynamics, extensive variables like volume and internal energy are distinguished from intensive variables like temperature and pressure.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun 'property' or 'variable' in scientific contexts.

Origin

From late Middle English, borrowed from Late Latin extensīvus, from Latin extensus.

Word family

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