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

Opinions about the former president, to the extent that jurors have them, are not supposed to matter during the trial. —Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2024

To the extent that Kernel is a reinvention, Ells hasn’t invented a new paradigm so much as found another. —Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 18 Apr. 2024

Though there’s still much to learn, the research suggests that to some extent, navigation skills are shaped by upbringing. —Bob Holmes, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2024

This was the extent of their assistance in finding our dogs. —Matt Novak / Gizmodo, Quartz, 17 Apr. 2024

To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to his/her individual situation, he/she is encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of his/her choosing, including a tax advisor and/or attorney. —Amy Wagner and Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 17 Apr. 2024

The extent of the injuries for the other three people is unknown. —Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 17 Apr. 2024

Since investors remained in the dark as to the sheer extent of Tesla’s governance problems, the 2018 vote approving his compensation with a 73% majority of the shareholder stock present (excluding shares held by Musk) was hence null and void. —Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2024

But the actual contribution from exports to the country’s economy was considerably greater, as falling prices obscured the full extent of China’s export gains. —Alexandra Stevenson, New York Times, 16 Apr. 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