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extent

noun ex·tent \ ik-ˈstent \
|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

Definition of extent

1 archaic : valuation (as of land) in Great Britain especially for taxation
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 a : the range over which something extends : scope
  • the extent of her jurisdiction
b : the point, degree, or limit to which something extends
  • using talents to the greatest extent
c : the amount of space or surface that something occupies or the distance over which it extends : magnitude
  • the extent of the forest

See extent defined for English-language learners

See extent defined for kids

Examples of extent in a Sentence

  1. She tried to determine the extent of the damage.

  2. the full extent of human knowledge

  3. He questions the extent to which these remedies are needed.

Recent Examples of extent from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'extent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of extent

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

extent Synonyms

Synonyms

amplitude, breadth, compass, confines, dimension(s), range, reach, realm, scope, sweep, width;

Related Words

gamut, spectrum, spread;

bailiwick, circle, demesne, department, discipline, domain, element, fief, fiefdom, field, province, region, specialty, sphere, terrain;

frontier;

horizon, panorama;

Phrases Related to EXTENT

Related Phrases

EXTENT Defined for English Language Learners

extent

noun

Definition of extent for English Language Learners

  • : the range, distance, or space that is covered or affected by something or included in something

  • : the point or limit to which something extends or reaches

EXTENT Defined for Kids

extent

noun ex·tent \ ik-ˈstent \

Definition of extent for Students

1 : the distance or range that is covered or affected by something
2 : the point, degree, or limit to which something reaches or extends
  • the extent of our property

Learn More about extent

  1. See words that rhyme with extent Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for extent Spanish Central: Translation of extent Nglish: Translation of extent for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of extent for Arabic speakers

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