extent

noun

ex·​tent ik-ˈstent 

1

a

: the range over which something extends : scope

the extent of her jurisdiction

b

: the amount of space or surface that something occupies or the distance over which it extends : magnitude

the extent of the forest

c

: the point, degree, or limit to which something extends

using talents to the greatest extent

2

a

: seizure (as of land) in execution of a writ of extent in Great Britain

also : the condition of being so seized

b

: a writ giving to a creditor temporary possession of his debtor's property

3

archaic : valuation (as of land) in Great Britain especially for taxation

Synonyms

• bound
• boundary
• cap
• ceiling
• confines
• end
• limit
• limitation
• line
• termination

Examples of extent in a Sentence

She tried to determine the extent of the damage.

the full extent of human knowledge

He questions the extent to which these remedies are needed.

Recent Examples on the Web

Even more impressive is the extent to which Netflix’s Solitude tells a dynamic story without oversimplifying García Márquez’s grand themes: politics, religion, autonomy, love, civilization and its endless parade of discontents, and of course the scourge of solitude in all its many manifestations. —Judy Berman, TIME, 2 Dec. 2024

Although the very form of the question—which separates István from his body—to some extent takes us away from the novel’s point of view, which is that István basically is his body. —Dennis Zhou, The New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2024

To some extent, these attributes render Prosecco judging a simple job. —Paul Caputo, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024

The total extent of the damage was not immediately clear, but explosions were heard in cities across Ukraine, and many officials reported power outages. —Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French estente, extente land valuation, from extendre, estendre to survey, evaluate, literally, to extend

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing extent

• to a certain extent
• to a greater/lesser degree/extent
• to a greater or lesser degree/extent
• to a great extent
• to such an extent
• to the fullest extent of
• to what extent
• writ of extent

Kids Definition

extent

noun

ex·​tent ik-ˈstent 

1

: the range, distance, or space over or through which something extends

the extent of the Roman empire

2

: the point, degree, or limit to which something extends

the extent of her knowledge