expand
gb/ɪkspˈænd/ us/ɪkspˈænd/
B1
English
~ 2100
bővít, kiterjeszt, nő, terjeszkedik, tágul, kifejt, részletez
VERB
B1
1
bővít
B1
kiterjeszt
B2
Usage pattern:
to expand [something]
The company plans to expand its operations into Asia.
A vállalat azt tervezi, hogy Ázsiára is kiterjeszti működését.
They decided to expand the kitchen to make more room.
Úgy döntöttek, hogy kibővítik a konyhát, hogy több hely legyen.
The government is working to expand access to healthcare.
Learner examples
We want to expand our shop.
Bővíteni szeretnénk az üzletünket.
He will expand the garden next year.
Jövőre kibővíti a kertet.
The school will expand the library.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'expand' with 'extend'; 'extend' usually means to make something longer in time or space, while 'expand' means to make it bigger in size or scope.
Meaning
Increase size or amount
Collocations
expand a business
|expand operations
|expand the range
|expand rapidly
|expand capacity
Synonyms
enlarge (Focuses more on physical size rather than quantity or scope.)
Antonyms
shrink (Means to become smaller in size, amount, or extent.)
Themes
business
|science
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To make something bigger or more; to grow in size or amount.
To make something larger, greater, or more extensive in size, number, or amount.
VERB
B1
2
Usage pattern:
[something] expands
Hot air expands as it rises.
A meleg levegő felszállás közben kitágul.
The city's population has expanded rapidly in recent years.
A város lakossága az utóbbi években gyorsan nőtt.
The metal will expand when heated.
Learner examples
Hot water expands when it gets hot.
A víz kitágul, amikor felmelegszik.
My town is expanding quickly.
A városom gyorsan terjeszkedik.
The balloon expands when you blow air into it.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with 'explode'; 'expand' is gradual increase, not a sudden burst.
Meaning
Become larger or greater
Collocations
gas expands
|metal expands
|population expands
Synonyms
grow (A broader term that can refer to physical, abstract, or metaphorical increase.)
Antonyms
contract (Means to become smaller or tighter.)
Themes
science
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To get bigger in size, number, or amount.
To increase in size, volume, number, or amount.
VERB
B2
3
Usage pattern:
to expand on [something]
Could you expand on what you mean by that?
Kifejtené bővebben, hogy mit ért ez alatt?
She expanded on her earlier remarks during the meeting.
A megbeszélésen bővebben kifejtette korábbi megjegyzéseit.
The author expands on this theme in later chapters.
Learner examples
Please expand on your answer.
Kérlek, fejtsd ki bővebben a válaszodat.
He expanded on his story with more details.
További részletekkel egészítette ki a történetét.
She expanded on her plan for the trip.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'explain' instead; 'expand' emphasizes adding more detail to what was already said.
Meaning
Add detail or explanation
Collocations
expand on a point
|expand on an idea
|expand further
Synonyms
elaborate (Often used in formal contexts; may imply careful explanation.)
Antonyms
summarize (Means to present only the main points without extra detail.)
Themes
communication
|education
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To say or write more about something so it is clearer or more complete.
To develop an idea, statement, or description by providing more information and detail.
Grammar
Dictionary form
expand
IPA
GB/ɪkspˈænd/
US/ɪkspˈænd/
Syllables & stress
ex - pand (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (pand)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: expand
- 3rd Person Singular: expands
- Present Participle: expanding
- Past: expanded
Word family
Forms
expands
verb
expanding
verb
expanded
verb
Core family
expansion
noun B1
expandable
adjective
Related words
expanse
noun B2
expansive
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
contract
verb B1
contraction
noun B1
Expressions
expand into
1/ɪkspˈænd ˈɪntu/
phrasal verb
Start operating in a new area
To start working in a new place or doing new kinds of work.
Examples
- The company plans to expand into South America next year.
- They are expanding into the online market.
expand on
1/ɪkspˈænd ˈɔn/
phrasal verb
Give more detail about something
To talk or write more about something by adding more information.
Examples
- The teacher asked him to expand on his answer.
- Can you expand on your reasons for leaving?
expand upon
1/ɪkspˈænd əpˈɑn/
phrasal verb
formal
Give more detail about something (formal)
To talk or write more about something by adding extra details (formal).
Examples
- The report expands upon last year's findings.
- She expanded upon her earlier comments during the conference.