expand

== English == === 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. === Pronunciation === Rhymes: -ænd IPA(key): /ɪkˈspænd/, /ɛkˈspænd/ === Verb === expand (third-person singular simple present expands, present participle expanding, simple past and past participle expanded) (transitive) To change (something) from a smaller form or size to a larger one; to spread out or lay open. (transitive) To increase the extent, number, volume or scope of (something). (transitive) To express (something) at length and/or in detail. (transitive, algebra) To rewrite (an expression) as a longer, yet equivalent, sum of terms. (intransitive, algebra, of an expression) To become, by rewriting, a longer, yet equivalent, sum of terms. (transitive, arithmetic) To multiply both the numerator and the denominator of a fraction by the same (non-zero) number (which yields a fraction of equal value). Expanding 4 / 7 {\displaystyle 4/7} by 3 {\displaystyle 3} gives 12 / 21 {\displaystyle 12/21} . (intransitive) To change or grow from smaller to larger in form, number, or size. (intransitive) To increase in extent, number, volume or scope. (intransitive) To speak or write at length or in detail. (intransitive) To feel generous or optimistic. (transitive, computing) In a hierarchical list (such as a directory tree or table of contents), to show the subentries of (an entry). Antonym: collapse ==== Conjugation ==== ==== Synonyms ==== (to change from a smaller form/size to a larger one): open out, spread, spread out, unfold (to increase the extent, number, volume or scope of): enlarge (to express at length or in detail): elaborate (on), expand on ==== Antonyms ==== (antonym(s) of “to change from a smaller form/size to a larger one”): contract (antonym(s) of “to increase the extent, number, volume or scope of”): contract, limit (to express at length or in detail): limit (antonym(s) of “algebra: to rewrite as an equivalent sum of terms”): factor ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== ==== Translations ====