Expansion

Definition

Expansion refers to the act of becoming larger or more extensive.

Parts of Speech

• Noun: expansion

IPA Pronunciation and Respelling

• American English: /ɪkˈspæn.ʃən/ (ik-SPAN-shuhn)
• British English: /ɪkˈspan.ʃən/ (ik-SPAN-shuhn)

Etymology

The term "expansion" comes from the Latin "expansio", derived from "expandere" meaning "to spread out". "Expandere" is a combination of "ex-" meaning "out" and "pandere" meaning "to spread".

Derivatives

• Expansive
• Expander
• Expand
• Expansionism
• Expansionist

Synonyms

• Growth
• Extension
• Enlargement

Antonyms

• Contraction
• Reduction
• Shrinkage

Usage

• Economics: The economy is in a phase of rapid expansion.
• Geography: The westward expansion of the United States during the 19th century.
• Technology: The expansion of the internet has led to countless new opportunities.

Related Terms

• Extend: To cause something, such as your body or part of your body, to reach, stretch out, or remain in a continuous position.
• Inflation: The rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising, and, subsequently, purchasing power is falling.
• Broadening: The process of making something wider.

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Becoming Larger: The action of becoming larger or more extensive.E.g., The company is undergoing a significant expansion.
• Region or Space Added: An added part or region, often used to refer to a newly claimed or developed area.E.g., The new expansion of the park includes a playground and a pond.
• Mathematics: An expression or function expressed as the sum or product of its terms.E.g., The polynomial expansion can be used to simplify the equation.