Meaning of the word expand in English

What does expand mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

expand

US /ɪkˈspænd/

UK /ɪkˈspænd/

to increase in size, number, or importance, or to make something increase in this way

Example:

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The business plans to expand into new markets next year.

•

Water expands when it freezes.

Synonym:

enlarge grow increase widen broaden

Antonym:

contract shrink compress

to give a fuller version or more details of an account or idea

Example:

•

Could you please expand on that point?

•

The author decided to expand the short story into a novel.

Synonym:

elaborate develop amplify expatiate

Antonym:

condense summarize abbreviate

Related Word:

expand on expand into