expand
/ɪkˈspænd/
expand
English
Verb Top 7,264
American (Lessac)
(medium)
Female
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American (Amy)
(medium)
Female
0.9s
American (Ryan)
(medium)
Male
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Definition
To change (something) from a smaller form or size to a larger one; to spread out or lay open.
Etymology
Recorded in Middle English since 1422 (as expanden, expaunden), from Anglo-Norman espaundre, from Latin expandere (“to spread out”), itself from ex- (“out, outwards”) + pandō (“to spread”). Doublet of spawn.
Example Sentences
- "You can expand this compact umbrella to cover a large table."
- "A flower expands its leaves."
- "Then with expanded wings he steers his flight."
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