Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense extends, present participle extending, past tense, past participle extended
1. verb
If you say that something, usually something large, extendsfor a particular distance or extendsfrom one place to another, you are indicating its size or position.
The caves extend for some 18 kilometres. [VERB + for]
The main stem will extend to around 12ft, if left to develop naturally. [VERB + to]
Our personal space extends about 12 to 18 inches around us. [VERB amount]
Diyala extends from the suburbs of Baghdad to the Iranian border. [VERBfrom noun to noun]
The new territory would extend over one-fifth of Canada's land mass. [VERB + over]
[Also V + to]
Synonyms: spread out, reach, stretch, continue More Synonyms of extend
2. verb
If an object extends from a surface or place, it sticks out from it.
A shelf of land extended from the escarpment. [VERB + from]
3. verb
If an event or activity extendsover a period of time, it continues for that time.
...a playing career in first-class cricket that extended from 1894 to 1920. [VERBfrom noun to noun]
The courses are based on a weekly two-hour class, extending over a period of 25 weeks. [VERB + over]
[Also V + to]
Synonyms: last, continue, go on, stretch More Synonyms of extend
4. verb
If something extendsto a group of people, things, or activities, it includes or affects them.
The service also extends to wrapping and delivering gifts. [VERB + to]
The talks will extend to the church, human rights groups and other social organizations. [Vto n/-ing]
His influence extends beyond the TV viewing audience. [V + beyond]
5. verb
If you extend something, you make it longer or bigger.
This year they have introduced three new products to extend their range. [VERB noun]
The building was extended in 1500. [beVERB-ed]
...an extended exhaust pipe. [VERB-ed]
Synonyms: widen, increase, develop, expand More Synonyms of extend
6. verb
If a piece of equipment or furniture extends, its length can be increased.
... a table which extends to accommodate extra guests. [VERB]
The table extends to 220cm. [VERB + to]
7. verb
If you extend something, you make it last longer than before or end at a later date.
They have extended the deadline by twenty-four hours. [VERB noun]
...an extended contract. [VERB-ed]
Synonyms: make longer, prolong, lengthen, draw out More Synonyms of extend
8. verb
If you extend something to other people or things, you make it include or affect more people or things.
It might be possible to extend the technique to other crop plants. [VERB noun + to]
9. verb
If someone extends their hand, they stretch out their arm and hand to shake hands with someone.
The man extended his hand: 'I'm Chuck'. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: offer, give, hold out, present More Synonyms of extend
More Synonyms of extend
extend in British English
(ɪkˈstɛnd)
verb
1.
to draw out or be drawn out; stretch
2.
to last for a certain time
his schooling extended for three years
3. (intransitive)
to reach a certain point in time or distance
the land extends five miles
4. (intransitive)
to exist or occur
the trees extended throughout the area
5. (transitive)
to increase (a building, etc) in size or area; add to or enlarge
6. (transitive)
to broaden the meaning or scope of
the law was extended
7. (transitive)
to put forth, present, or offer
to extend greetings
8.
to stretch forth (an arm, etc)
9. (transitive)
to lay out (a body) at full length
10. (transitive)
to strain or exert (a person or animal) to the maximum
11. (transitive)
to prolong (the time originally set) for payment of (a debt or loan), completion of (a task), etc
12. (transitive) accounting
a.
to carry forward
b.
to calculate the amount of (a total, balance, etc)
13. (transitive) law
(formerly in England) to value or assess (land)
Derived forms
extendible (exˈtendible) or extendable (exˈtendable)
adjective
extendibility (exˌtendiˈbility) or extendability (exˌtendaˈbility)
noun
Word origin
C14: from Latin extendere to stretch out, from tendere to stretch
extend in American English
(ɛkˈstɛnd; ɪkˈstɛnd)
verb transitive
1.
to stretch out or draw out to a certain point, or for a certain distance or time
2.
to enlarge in area, scope, influence, meaning, effect, etc.; widen; broaden; expand; spread
3.
to stretch or thrust forth; hold out; proffer
4.
to present for acceptance; offer; accord; grant
5.
to stretch or straighten out (a flexed limb of the body)
6.
a.
to make longer in time or space; prolong
b.
to allow a period of time for the payment of (a loan, mortgage, etc.) beyond that originally set
7.
to make (oneself) work or try very hard
8.
to give added bulk or body to (a substance) by adding another, usually cheaper or inferior, substance
9. Obsolete
to gain control of by force
10. Business
to calculate (an amount on an invoice) by multiplying quantity by price
verb intransitive
11.
to be extended
12.
to lie or stretch
the fence extends to the meadow
SYNONYMY NOTE: extend, lengthen both imply a making longer in space or time, but , extend, in addition, may signify an enlarging in area, scope, influence, meaning, etc.;, elongate is a synonym for , lengthen in the spatial sense and is more commonly used in technical applications; , prolong, protract both primarily imply an extending in time, , prolong suggesting continuation beyond the usual or expected time, and , protract a being drawn out needlessly or wearingly
Word origin
ME extended < L extendere < ex-, out + tendere, to stretch: see thin
Examples of 'extend' in a sentence
extend
The applicant did not ask the deputy master to exercise his discretion to extend time.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Now apply pressure through your palms and slowly extend both your arms in front of you.
The Sun (2016)
Lean into the sink with one hand and extend one leg out behind.
The Sun (2017)
It was not for the court to consider whether to extend time on its own initiative.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He was not at fault in failing to consider whether to extend time on his own initiative.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The strike had been planned as a 24-hour walkout but has been extended three times.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Some specialise in engineering and technology, while others extend into areas such as creative and digital industries.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The plant growing season has extended in some areas and there is more growth in colder regions, resulting in a larger overall area covered with vegetation.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
A pilot scheme has been carried out in Manchester, which if successful could be extended to other areas within five years.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
It appears to have been driven out as farming land extended and trees were cleared.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
As you love and forgive yourself these feelings will extend to those around you.
Trickett, Shirley Coming Off Tranquillizers and Sleeping Pills (1991)
What do you do if you want to extend the area that your wisteria covers?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
You may well be able to extend payments to make them more manageable.
The Sun (2011)
Without waiting for an answer he pulled close to the pile and extended his hand.
LM Montgomery Anne of Green Gables (1872)
The deadline has been extended many times.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Watch for any attempt to flex or extend the arm out of position.
Andrews, Elizabeth Muscle Management (1991)
Once again plans were proposed to extend the area of arable lands and the number of cattle.
Aganbegyan, Abel Inside Perestroika: The Future of the Soviet Economy (1990)
The judge should extend it and make him work and give his wages to charity.
The Sun (2006)
To refuse to shake a hand extended in friendship is bad manners.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Before long the time was being extended to a full hour.
Jan Fennell FRIENDS FOR LIFE (2003)
Suddenly and slowly she extended her arms out in front of her.
Jan Fennell FRIENDS FOR LIFE (2003)
His pragmatic approach extends to other areas.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
And that sometimes extending it will make others uncomfortable.
Christianity Today (2000)
She lavished a smile on him and extended her hand.
Christina Dodd SOMEDAY MY PRINCE (1999)
Stand tall with a kettle bell in left hand and arm fully extended above your head.
The Sun (2011)
She extended her hand to the stocky horseman.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
There is a real risk that before long defendants will be released because courts do not agree to extend time limits.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Both vehicles have ranges extended to around 100 miles.
The Sun (2013)
Maybe extend the area of bulb grass beyond the tree's canopy.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Since the effect extends around each machine, up to two square miles could be affected by one turbine.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
On three sides your land extends for a mile, while to the north you are protected by dense woodland.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The proceeds will be used to expand the company's presence in mobile, make acquisitions and extend its international reach.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
In other languages
extend
British English: extend VERB
If you say that something, usually something large, extends for a particular distance or extends from one place to another, you are indicating its size or position.
The caves extend for some 18 kilometres.
American English: extend
Brazilian Portuguese: estender-se
Chinese: 延伸
European Spanish: extenderse
French: s'étendre
German: sich erstrecken
Italian: estendersi
Japanese: 広がる
Korean: > ~에서 ...까지 미치다거리나 크기가
European Portuguese: estender-se
Latin American Spanish: extenderse
Chinese translation of 'extend'
extend
(ɪksˈtɛnd)
vt
[visit]延长(長) (yáncháng)
[building]扩(擴)展 (kuòzhǎn)
[contract, deadline]给(給) ... 延期 (gěi ... yánqī)
[arm, hand]伸出 (shēnchū)
[welcome, invitation]发(發)出 (fāchū)
(Comm)[credit]提供 (tígōng)
vi
[land, road]延伸 (yánshēn)
[period]延续(續) (yánxù)
[influence, power etc]延及 (yánjí)
⇒ His influence extends beyond the TV viewing audience.他的影响超出了电视观众的范围。 (Tā de yǐngxiǎng chāochūle diànshì guānzhòng de fànwéi.)
to extend from (= protrude) 从(從) ... 中伸出 (cóng ... zhōng shēnchū)
to extend to (= include) 涉及 (shèjí)
1 (verb)
Definition
to reach to a certain distance or in a certain direction
The territory extends over one fifth of Canada's land mass.
Synonyms
spread out
reach
stretch
an artificial reef stretching the length of the coast
continue
carry on
2 (verb)
Definition
to straighten or stretch out (part of the body)
Stand straight with your arms extended at your sides.
Synonyms
stretch
She arched her back and stretched herself.
stretch out
spread out
unfurl
straighten out
unroll
3 (verb)
Definition
to last for a certain time
His playing career extended from 1894 to 1920.
Synonyms
last
You only need a very small amount, so the tube lasts for ages.
continue
For ten days I continued in this state.
He had hoped to continue as a full-time career officer.
go on
the necessity for the war to go on
stretch
Protests stretched into their second week.
carry on
Her bravery has given him the will to carry on.
4 (verb)
Allow about a quarter of an inch to extend beyond your palm.
Synonyms
protrude
A huge round mass of rock protruded from the water.
project
A piece of metal projected out from the side.
stand out
Her hair stood out in spikes.
bulge
He bulges out of his black T-shirt.
stick out
Your label's sticking out.
hang
overhang
jut out
5 (verb)
Definition
to reach to a certain distance or in a certain direction
His business empire extends to retail ventures as well as property development.
Synonyms
reach
Can you reach your toes with your fingertips?
spread
He stepped back and spread his hands wide.
go as far as
6 (verb)
Definition
to broaden the meaning or scope of
They have added three new products to extend their range.
Synonyms
widen
He had an operation to widen an artery in his heart.
increase
The company has increased the price of its cars.
develop
They allowed me to develop their original idea.
expand
We can expand the size of the image.
spread
The sense of fear is spreading in residential neighbourhoods.
add to
enhance
They want to enhance their reputation abroad.
supplement
I suggest supplementing your diet with vitamins E and A.
enlarge
plans to enlarge the park into a 30,000 all-seater stadium
broaden
We must broaden our appeal.
diversify
amplify
The music was amplified with microphones.
augment
She was searching for a way to augment her income.
Opposites
cut
,
reduce
, contract,
restrict
, decrease,
condense
,
abbreviate
,
abridge
7 (verb)
Definition
to make bigger or longer than before
They have extended the deadline by 24 hours.
Synonyms
make longer
prolong
He said foreign military aid was prolonging the war.
lengthen
They want to lengthen the school day.
draw out
spin out
elongate
Some people wear heels designed to elongate the leg.
drag out
protract
The appearance of a rebel splinter group will merely protract the civil war.
Opposites
cut
,
limit
,
reduce
, contract,
restrict
, decrease,
shorten
,
curtail
,
take back
,
condense
8 (verb)
Definition
to present or offer
`I'm Chuck,' the man said, extending his hand.
Synonyms
offer
Western governments have offered aid.
give
This recipe was given to me years ago.
They still give to charity despite hard economic times.
hold out
present
We presented three options to the unions for discussion.
grant
France has agreed to grant him political asylum.
advance
Many theories have been advanced as to why this is.
yield
reach out
confer
An honorary degree was conferred on him by the University of Vienna.
stretch out
stick out
bestow
The Queen has bestowed a knighthood on him.
impart
She managed to impart great elegance to the dress she wore.
proffer
He proffered a box of chocolates.
put forth
Opposites
withdraw
,
take back
phrasal verb
See extend to something
Additional synonyms
in the sense of advance
Definition
to present an idea for consideration
Many theories have been advanced as to why this is.
Synonyms
suggest,
offer,
present,
propose,
allege,
cite,
advocate,
submit,
prescribe,
put forward,
proffer,
adduce,
offer as a suggestion
in the sense of amplify
Definition
to increase the size, extent, or effect of
The music was amplified with microphones.
Synonyms
expand,
raise,
extend,
boost,
stretch,
strengthen,
increase,
widen,
intensify,
heighten,
deepen,
enlarge,
lengthen,
magnify,
augment,
dilate
in the sense of augment
Definition
to make or become greater in number or strength
She was searching for a way to augment her income.