Extend-Expand | Commonly Confused Words
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Master confusing words with ease

Extend vs. Expand

Extend

/ɪkˈstend/
To make something longer or larger in space or time

Examples:

They extended the range of their Gothas with extra fuel tanks.What'll we do when he really extends himself!'It will cost considerable more to extend the line.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Expand

/ɪkˈspænd/
To become larger or more extensive.

Examples:

Her waistline had expanded two inches.She had not had a chance to expand.Even Phobus Bohlaug needs money, to 'expand' his business.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Extend can imply length, affecting how far something reaches, while expand implies increased size in volume or area.
  • Extend often involves something being made longer, like extending a deadline or extending a hand in greeting.
  • Expand is about growing or spreading out, like a balloon inflating or a company expanding into new markets.
  • Remember that extend is more linear, as in extending a path, whereas expand is more about an increase in area or space.
  • Extend typically involves an addition to something already existing, whereas expand can involve creation of new space or volume.
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