WordGarden.ioextend
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɛkstˈɛnd/
US
- /ɪkˈstɛnd/
Meanings
Verb
to make something longer or larger in physical extent
to make a period, deadline, or arrangement last longer
to include or apply to a wider area, group, or range
More meaningsFewer meanings
to offer, give, or convey something formally
to straighten or stretch out a body part
to add capabilities to software or build on an existing class or system
Beyond the definition
To extend something is to make it longer, bigger, or wider in reach. Think of extending your hand in friendship: you are offering a connection. You can extend a deadline (give more time), extend an invitation (ask someone to join), or extend a road (make it longer). Sometimes, it simply means to stretch out. A cat might extend its paws when yawning, and a business might extend its services to new customers. The idea is to go farther in space, time, or range.
The word "extend" carries a surprising amount of flexibility. At its core, it means to make something longer or larger—physically, figuratively, or even conceptually. Imagine extending a telescopic umbrella to shield yourself from the rain; you're physically increasing its length or reach.
But "extend" isn't limited to physical objects. You can extend a helping hand (offer assistance), extend credit (allow someone to borrow money), or extend an olive branch (make an offer of peace). These uses are all about broadening reach, offering more, or prolonging a state of affairs.
It also describes the act of stretching out. A runner might extend their stride to gain speed, and a plant's roots extend into the soil seeking nourishment. You can even extend your stay at a hotel, adding extra days to your visit.
In formal contexts, "extend" often implies an official offer or permission: "The company decided to extend its warranty period." Or it might describe a physical expanse reaching out: "The forest extends for miles."
So whether you're lengthening a physical object, broadening an opportunity, or simply stretching towards a goal—to extend is about going further and encompassing more.
Examples
- 1
Physical distance
The road extends from the village to the coast.
- 2
Furniture
This table extends, so it can seat eight people.
- 3
Travel plans
We decided to extend our trip by two days.
- 4
Deadline
They're extending the deadline until Friday.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Meeting time
The meeting extended into the evening.
- Patternextend into + later time
continue later than expected
- 6
Service expansion
The company wants to extend its delivery service to smaller towns.
- 7
Eligibility
The student discount also extends to online courses.
- Patternextend to + group/place/thing
include or apply to it
- 8
Influence
Her influence extends far beyond music.
- 9
Formal invitation
We'd like to extend an invitation to your family as well.
- Phraseextend an invitation
formally invite someone
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- extendverb
Forms
- extendedpast tenseverb
- extending-ing formverb
- extendsverb