WordGarden.ioextensively
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɛkstˈɛnsɪvli/
US
- /ɪkˈstɛnsɪvli/
Meanings
Adverb
to a large degree or over a wide range
Beyond the definition
If an author extensively researches a topic, they do far more than take a quick look. They read a lot, check many sources, and try to understand the subject well. It gives the sense of doing something in a full and careful way. Think of a gardener preparing the soil before planting. They do not just toss in seeds and wait. They dig, improve the soil, and get the ground ready with real care. You could also say someone extensively decorated their house for the holidays, meaning they added decorations in many places, not just one or two.
The word "extensively" describes something done in a thorough, wide-ranging, and detailed way. It often suggests that a lot was done, but also that it was done carefully and fully. When something is done extensively, it usually reaches many parts, covers many details, or continues well beyond a basic level.
Think of a scientist who extensively studies a new virus. They do not examine it only once. They test it again and again, study different results, and keep working until they have a fuller picture. Or think of an artist who sketches extensively before starting a painting. They make many drawings first so they can shape the final work with confidence.
"Extensively" is often used when talking about research, study, writing, travel, damage, change, or coverage. A journalist might extensively cover an election by reporting on many events, speaking to many people, and following the story over time. A company might extensively market a new product by using television, social media, and print ads to reach a wide audience. A building might be extensively damaged, meaning a large part of it was harmed, not just a small section.
You will often see "extensively" with verbs like research, study, document, test, renovate, or discuss. In all of these cases, the idea is similar: something was done on a large scale, in great detail, or across many parts. So when you hear that something was done extensively, the picture is usually of time, effort, and broad coverage rather than a small or simple action.
Examples
- 1
Scientific research
Scientists have studied the disease extensively.
- 2
Travel
She traveled extensively through Southeast Asia after college.
- 3
Source quotation
The report quotes extensively from emails and meeting notes.
- Patternquote extensively from + source
use many parts of another text or source
- 4
Renovation
The old theater was extensively renovated last year.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Media coverage
His comments were reported extensively in the national press.
- 6
School use
This software is used extensively in schools.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- comprehensively
- at length
- in depth
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- used extensively
- studied extensively
- extensively documented
- travel extensively
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- extensivelyadverb