extensively
gb/ɪkstˈɛnsɪvli/ us/ɪkstˈɛnsɪvli/
B2
English
~ 6300
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B2
property
1
to a great extent or range
In a very large way, or in many places, or in many parts.
Usage pattern:
[someone] [verb] extensively
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "extensively" with "intensively". "Extensively" talks about great amount, range, or coverage (many places, many parts, a lot of something), while "intensively" means with very strong effort or focus in a small area or short time. For example, "He studied extensively" means he studied a lot or over a wide area or many topics; "He studied intensively" means he studied very hard and with strong focus.
Synonyms
greatly (Focuses on strong degree, without the idea of wide range or coverage.)
|
widely (Often stresses large area or many people more than amount or degree.)
Antonyms
slightly (Suggests only a very small degree or amount, the opposite of a great extent.)
|
narrowly (Suggests limited range or coverage, the opposite of covering many areas or parts.)
Collocations
travel extensively
|write extensively
|use extensively
|research extensively
|read extensively
|extensively damaged
Themes
communication
|education
|travel
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She has written extensively about climate change in leading journals.
- The factory was extensively damaged in the explosion and had to close for months.
- He has traveled extensively throughout South America for his research.
- This software is now extensively used in universities around the world.
- The issue has been extensively discussed in the media over the past week.
Learner examples
- She has studied English extensively for many years.
- The house was extensively rebuilt after the storm.
- He traveled extensively in Europe when he was a student.
- The book is extensively used in business schools.
- This topic is extensively covered in the last chapter.
Grammar
Dictionary form
extensively
IPA
GB/ɪkstˈɛnsɪvli/
US/ɪkstˈɛnsɪvli/
Syllables & stress
ex - tens - ively (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tens)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: extensively
- Plural: extensivelies
Word family
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.