to become or make something greater in size, number, or importance, to speak or write about something in more detail, or to explain something that was not clear before, to open something that is folded so that it covers a larger area than before

expand like a balloon, expand one's waistline, expand one's mind

expand your horizons, expand on something, expand one's vocabulary

Formal and Informal Expressions of expand

In different contexts, you can replace 'expand' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'increase, enlarge, extend' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'blow up, beef up, ramp up' is a commonplace synonym.

expand: Explore its Definition & Usage

expand Definition

1to become or make something greater in size, number, or importance
2to speak or write about something in more detail, or to explain something that was not clear before
3to open something that is folded so that it covers a larger area than before

Using expand: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "expand" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The company plans to expand its operations overseas.
Example
She expanded on her earlier comments during the interview.
Example
He expanded the map to show more details.
Example
The foam expands when it comes into contact with air.
Example
The universe is expanding at an accelerating rate.

expand Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for expand

Antonyms for expand

Idioms Using expand

expand like a balloon
to grow rapidly and uncontrollably
Example
The company's profits have been expanding like a balloon in recent years.
expand one's waistline
to gain weight, especially around the stomach area
Example
Eating too much junk food can cause you to expand your waistline.
expand one's mind
to broaden one's intellectual or spiritual horizons
Example
Studying philosophy can help you expand your mind and think more critically.

Phrases with expand

expand your horizons
to increase the range of one's knowledge, experience, or interests
Example
Traveling to different countries can help you expand your horizons.
expand on something
to provide more information or details about something
Example
Can you expand on what you meant by that?
expand one's vocabulary
to learn and use new words
Example
Reading books is a great way to expand your vocabulary.

Origins of expand

from Latin 'expandere', meaning 'to spread out'

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Summary: expand in Brief

The verb 'expand' [ɪkˈspænd] means to increase in size, number, or importance, or to provide more detail or explanation. It can also refer to opening something that was previously folded. Examples include 'The company plans to expand its operations overseas,' and 'He expanded the map to show more details.' Phrases like 'expand your horizons' and idioms like 'expand one's waistline' add nuance to the term.