Expansion
/ɪkˈspænʃən/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of increasing in size or scope; the process of becoming larger or more comprehensive.
/ɪkˈspænʃən/
The act of becoming larger or more extensive.
The expansion of the city led to increased traffic.
💡 Simply: Imagine a balloon that gets bigger when you blow it up! Expansion is like that – it's when something grows larger. It could be a business getting bigger, or the world getting wider.
👶 For kids: Getting bigger or wider.
More Examples
The company announced an expansion of its product line.
The expansion of the universe is a fascinating concept.
How It's Used
"The company's expansion into international markets significantly increased its profits."
"The expansion of the universe continues to be a subject of scientific study."
A detailed or elaborate account or explanation; the act of elaborating or developing something at greater length or in more detail.
/ɪkˈspænʃən/
The act of expressing something in more detail
The teacher asked for an expansion of the student's essay to clarify their points.
💡 Simply: If you have an idea and then give more and more details about it, you're doing an expansion. It's like making a short story longer and telling the whole thing.
👶 For kids: Making something longer with more details
More Examples
The contract needed an expansion to include all the services provided.
He offered an expansion on his reasons for leaving the job.
How It's Used
"The author provided an expansion of their argument in the subsequent chapters."
"She requested an expansion on the project's goals to include long-term benefits."
Synonyms
From Late Latin *expansionem*, the noun of action from the verb *expandere* 'to spread out'. The verb *expand* originates from 16th-century French *expander*.
The word expansion started to appear in English in the late 16th century, initially used in scientific contexts before it gained wider use in fields like business and politics.
Memory tip
Think of stretching a balloon – it *expands* (grows bigger).