expansive

Definition

Comprehensive in scope or extent.

Etymology

From Latin expāns-, past-participle stem of expandere (“to spread out”; see expand) + -ive.

Example Sentences

• "expansive research work"
• "She laughed, she winked, and nodded knowingly at Pen; she tapped him on the arm with her fan; she tapped Blanche; she tapped the Major;—her contentment was boundless, and her method of showing her joy equally expansive."
• "The Elastick or expansive faculty of the Air, whereby it dilates itself, when compressed (indeed this lower Region of it by reason of the weight of the superincumbent is al∣ways in a compressed State) hath been made use of in the common Weather-glasses, in Wind guns, and in several ingenious Water∣works, and doubtless hath a great Interest in many natural Effects and Operations."