Main Entry:

ex·pand

Pronunciation:

\ik-ˈspand\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

Middle English expaunden, from Latin expandere, from ex- + pandere to spread — more at fathom

Date:

15th century

transitive verb1: to open up : unfold2: to increase the extent, number, volume, or scope of : enlarge3 a: to express at length or in greater detail b: to write out in full <expand all abbreviations> c: to subject to mathematical expansion <expand a function in a power series>intransitive verb1: to open out : spread2: to increase in extent, number, volume, or scope3: to speak or write fully or in detail <expanded on the theme>4: to feel generous or optimistic

— ex·pand·abil·i·ty \-ˌspan-də-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— ex·pand·able \-ˈspan-də-bəl\ adjective

synonyms expand, amplify, swell, distend, inflate, dilate mean to increase in size or volume. expand may apply whether the increase comes from within or without and regardless of manner (as growth, unfolding, addition of parts) <a business that expands every year>. amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate <amplify the statement with details>. swell implies gradual expansion beyond a thing's original or normal limits <the bureaucracy swelled to unmanageable proportions> . distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within <a distended abdomen>. inflate implies expanding by introduction of air or something insubstantial and suggests a resulting vulnerability and liability to sudden collapse <an inflated ego>. dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference <dilated pupils>.