Expand vs. Extend — What's the Difference?

To open (something) up or out; spread out

To cause (something) to last longer

To increase the size, volume, quantity, or scope of; enlarge

To cause (something) to be longer, wider, or cover more area

To express at length or in detail; enlarge on

To enlarge the scope or effect of

(Mathematics) To write (a quantity) as a sum of terms in an extended form.

To prolong the time allowed for payment of

To become greater in size, volume, quantity, or scope

To put off; postpone

To speak or write at length or in detail

To present; offer

To open up or out; unfold

To make available; provide

(transitive) To change (something) from a smaller form or size to a larger one; to spread out or lay open.

To open or straighten (something) out; unbend

(transitive) To increase the extent, number, volume or scope of (something).

To increase in quantity or bulk by adding a cheaper substance

(transitive) To express (something) at length and/or in detail.

To exert (oneself) vigorously or to full capacity

To rewrite (an expression) as a longer, yet equivalent sum of terms.

To cause to move at full gallop. Used of a horse.

To become, by rewriting, a longer, yet equivalent sum of terms.

To appraise or assess; value.

To multiply both the numerator and the denominator of a fraction by the same natural number yielding a fraction of equal value

To seize or make a levy on for the purpose of settling a debt.

(intransitive) To change or grow from smaller to larger in form, number, or size.

To be or become long, large, or comprehensive

(intransitive) To increase in extent, number, volume or scope.

(intransitive) To increase in extent.

(intransitive) To speak or write at length or in detail.

(intransitive) To possess a certain extent; to cover an amount of space.

(intransitive) To feel generous or optimistic.

(transitive) To cause to increase in extent.

To lay open by extending; to open wide; to spread out; to diffuse; as, a flower expands its leaves.

(transitive) To cause to last for a longer period of time.

To cause the particles or parts of to spread themselves or stand apart, thus increasing bulk without addition of substance; to make to occupy more space; to dilate; to distend; to extend every way; to enlarge; - opposed to contract; as, to expand the chest; heat expands all bodies; to expand the sphere of benevolence.

(transitive) To straighten (a limb).

To state in enlarged form; to develop; as, to expand an equation. See Expansion, 5.

(transitive) To bestow; to offer; to impart; to apply.

To become widely opened, spread apart, dilated, distended, or enlarged; as, flowers expand in the spring; metals expand by heat; the heart expands with joy.

To increase in quantity by weakening or adulterating additions.

Extend in one or more directions;

To value, as lands taken by a writ of extent in satisfaction of a debt; to assign by writ of extent.

Become larger in size or volume or quantity;

(object-oriented programming) Of a class: to be an extension or subtype of, or to be based on, a prototype or a more abstract class.

Make bigger or wider in size, volume, or quantity;

To reenlist for a further period.

Grow stronger;

Misspelling of extent

Exaggerate or make bigger;

To stretch out; to prolong in space; to carry forward or continue in length; as, to extend a line in surveying; to extend a cord across the street.

Add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing;

To enlarge, as a surface or volume; to expand; to spread; to amplify; as, to extend metal plates by hammering or rolling them.

Expand the influence of;

To enlarge; to widen; to carry out further; as, to extend the capacities, the sphere of usefulness, or commerce; to extend power or influence; to continue, as time; to lengthen; to prolong; as, to extend the time of payment or a season of trial.

To hold out or reach forth, as the arm or hand.

To bestow; to offer; to impart; to apply; as, to extend sympathy to the suffering.

To increase in quantity by weakening or adulterating additions; as, to extend liquors.

To value, as lands taken by a writ of extent in satisfaction of a debt; to assign by writ of extent.

Extend in scope or range or area;

Stretch out over a distance, space, time, or scope; run or extend between two points or beyond a certain point;

Span an interval of distance, space or time;

Make available; provide;

Thrust or extend out;

Reach outward in space;

Offer verbally;

Extend one's limbs or muscles, or the entire body;

Expand the influence of;

Lengthen in time; cause to be or last longer;

Extend or stretch out to a greater or the full length;

Cause to move at full gallop;

Open or straighten out; unbend;

Use to the utmost; exert vigorously or to full capacity;

Prolong the time allowed for payment of;

Continue or extend;

Increase in quantity or bulk by adding a cheaper substance;