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

Extend vs. Expand

Extend

/ɪkˈstend/
To make something larger, longer, or to cause it to cover a wider area.

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 increase in size, volume, or quantity

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 often implies making something longer in time or space, while expand involves increasing size, volume, or scope.
  • When you extend, think of lengthening a rope or extending a meeting beyond its initial time.
  • Expand conveys a sense of spreading out, like a balloon inflating or a business opening new branches.
  • Use extend when talking about timeframes, deadlines, or physical reach.
  • Use expand when talking about area, capacity, or scope of ideas or objects.
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