Word
extensively
Phoneticsex·ten·sive·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/ɪkˈstɛnsɪvɫi/
UK/ɛkstˈɛnsɪvli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01thoroughly or in detail
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. to a great degree or in a way that covers many details.
adv. to a significant degree; indicating that a subject or task has been dealt with in a comprehensive or thorough manner.
“The researchers studied the problem extensively before suggesting a new solution.”
“The legal team researched the case law extensively to ensure that every possible precedent had been accounted for before the trial began.”
Usage
Typically follows the verb it modifies or appears at the end of the clause.
Synonyms
02over a large area
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. covering a very large space or many different places.
adv. covering a vast physical area or distributed over a wide range of locations.
“This type of tree grows extensively throughout the northern part of the country.”
“The invasive species has spread extensively across the wetlands, threatening the survival of several native plants in the region.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “extensively” in context.
Verb
01. extensively discuss
“The committee will extensively discuss the proposed changes to the curriculum during the next meeting.”
adv + verb
02. extensively use
“This software is extensively used by professional photographers to edit high-resolution images.”
adv + verb
Real-World Examples
“These corals can recolonize damaged reefs but may not build reef structures as quickly or as extensively as the corals that dominated in the past.” “LCDM has become one of the most thoroughly studied and extensively tested theories in ALL of science.” “I’m a political scientist who has written extensively about rural and working-class communities .” Etymology
From extensive + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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