extensive — English Dictionary

Adjective

1. Having a great extent; covering a large area; vast.

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   In the second century of the Christian era, the Empire of Rome comprehended the fairest part of the earth, and the most civilised portion of mankind. The frontiers of that extensive monarchy were guarded by ancient renown and disciplined valour.

2. Considerable in amount.

   Usage

   • Figurative

   Examples

   I have done extensive research on the subject.

3. Serving to extend or lengthen; characterized by extension.

   Examples

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   For station is properly no rest, but one kind of motion, relating unto that which physicians (from Galen) do name extensive or tonical; that is, an extension of the muscles and organs of motion, maintaining the body at length, or in its proper figure.

4. Having a combined system entropy that equals the sum of the entropies of the independent systems.

   Examples

   According to Tsallis (1988), the entropy was extensive for T = 1, superextensive for t 1.

Adjective

1. large in spatial extent or range or scope or quantity

   Synonyms

   extended

   Examples

   an extensive Roman settlement in northwest England

   extended farm lands

   More examples (2)

   surgeons with extended experience

   they suffered extensive damage

2. broad in scope or content

   Synonyms

   across-the-boardall-embracingall-encompassingall-inclusiveblanketbroadencompassingpanopticwide

   Examples

   across-the-board pay increases

   an all-embracing definition

   More examples (3)

   blanket sanctions against human-rights violators

   an invention with broad applications

   granted him wide powers

3. of agriculture; increasing productivity by using large areas with minimal outlay and labor

   Antonyms

   intensive

   Examples

   producing wheat under extensive conditions

   agriculture of the extensive type