English Reference

Word

extensive

Phoneticsex·ten·sive, stress on the second syllable

US/ɪkˈstɛnsɪv/

UK/ɛkstˈɛnsɪv/

Definitions

01covering a large area

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. covering a very large physical space or area.

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

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

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

Antonyms

02wide in scope

B2 · Upper Intermediate

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

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

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

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

Synonyms

comprehensivethoroughwide-ranging

Antonyms

03large in amount

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. large in amount or degree.

adj. considerable in amount, degree, or magnitude.

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

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

Antonyms

04thermodynamics

C2 · Proficiency Science Technical

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

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

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

“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.

Antonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “extensive” in context.

Adjective

01. extensive analysis

“The scientists conducted an extensive analysis of the soil samples to detect pollutants.”

adj + noun

02. extensive area

“The forest fire covered an extensive area, destroying thousands of acres of land.”

adj + noun

03. extensive data

“We need to collect extensive data before we can draw any firm conclusions.”

adj + noun

04. extensive discussion

“After extensive discussion, the committee finally agreed on a new policy.”

adj + noun

05. extensive evidence

“There is extensive evidence to suggest that the climate is changing rapidly.”

adj + noun

06. extensive experience

“She has extensive experience in international law and has worked in several countries.”

adj + noun

07. extensive information

“The brochure provides extensive information about the local tourist attractions.”

adj + noun

08. extensive investigation

“The police launched an extensive investigation into the cause of the accident.”

adj + noun

09. extensive knowledge

“The professor has extensive knowledge of ancient Greek history.”

adj + noun

10. extensive damage

11. extensive search

12. expenditure extensive

Real-World Examples

“Scientists have known for years that many solid tumors contain extensive nerve networks.”
ScienceDaily 17 Aug 2026
“Extensive research shows that the MMR vaccine is safe.”
The Guardian 13 Aug 2026
“Each visit produced extensive local media coverage for his campaign.”
The Conversation 12 Aug 2026
“Building a spiderweb is an extensive, intricate process.”
The Conversation 4 Aug 2026

Etymology

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

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

ADJECTIVE

extensive(B2)

Related words

Domain

Physics

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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English Reference