English Reference
adjective

extensive

adj.
US /ɪkˈstɛnsɪv/ UK /ɛkstˈɛnsɪv/ ex·ten·sive

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    covering a very large physical space or area.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  2. 02 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

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

    comprehensivethoroughwide ranging
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    large in amount or degree.

    considerable in amount, degree, or magnitude.

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  4. 04 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    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.

Usage extensive damage · extensive search · expenditure extensive

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

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

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

This entry
Origin Latin extensus
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated