extent
gb/ɪkstˈɛnt/ us/ɪkstˈɛnt/
B1
English
~ 1100
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
quantity
1
degree or scope of something
How much or how far something goes or happens.
Usage pattern:
the extent of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'extent' with 'extend'. 'Extent' is a noun meaning 'degree', while 'extend' is a verb meaning 'to make longer'.
Synonyms
degree (Often interchangeable, but 'degree' can suggest a measurable level in more formal or technical contexts.)
|
scope ('Scope' can imply breadth of activity or influence rather than just amount.)
Antonyms
insignificance (Refers to something so small or unimportant that its extent is negligible.)
Collocations
to a great extent
|the full extent
|extent of damage
|extent of the problem
|to some extent
Themes
measurement
|description
|general
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The extent of the flooding was worse than expected.
- We don't yet know the full extent of the damage.
- To some extent, I agree with you.
- The report examined the extent of the company's influence.
- She was surprised at the extent of his generosity.
Learner examples
- We don't know the extent of the fire.
- The extent of the problem is big.
- I like this job to some extent.
- They showed me the full extent of the plan.
- The extent of his help was amazing.
Noun
technical
B2
quantity
2
physical area covered
The amount of space an area covers.
Usage pattern:
the extent of [area/land/territory]
Common mistake:
Learners may use 'extent' instead of 'area' in casual conversation, which can sound overly formal outside technical or descriptive contexts.
Synonyms
area (A direct synonym in spatial contexts; more common in everyday speech.)
Antonyms
point (A location without measurable area.)
Collocations
land extent
|extent of territory
|forest extent
Themes
geography
|measurement
|space
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The desert's extent is larger than many countries.
- They measured the extent of the forest.
- Satellite images show the full extent of the ice sheet.
Learner examples
- The forest has a big extent.
- We saw the full extent of the lake.
- The desert's extent is very large.
Grammar
Dictionary form
extent
IPA
GB/ɪkstˈɛnt/
US/ɪkstˈɛnt/
Syllables & stress
ex - tent (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tent)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: extent
- Plural: extent, extents
Word family
Forms
extents
noun
Core family
Related words
extended
adjective
extendable
adjective
Advanced or less common
extensible
adjective
Expressions
know the full extent of
1/nˈoʊ ðə fˈʊl ɪkstˈɛnt əv/
fixed phrase
be aware of complete scope
To know everything about how big, serious, or important something is.
Examples
- We won't know the full extent of the damage until tomorrow.
- Investigators are trying to know the full extent of the fraud.
to a great extent
1/tə ə ɡɹˈeɪt ɪkstˈɛnt/
fixed phrase
To a large degree or amount
Mostly; for the most part; very much.
Examples
- His success is due to a great extent to his determination.
- His success is due, to a great extent, to his hard work.
- The plan worked to a great extent.
- The weather affects our sales to a great extent.
to some extent
1/tə sˈʌm ɪkstˈɛnt/
fixed phrase
partly but not completely true
Used to say that something is partly true but not completely.
Examples
- To some extent, I think you're right.
- The plan worked, to some extent, but not perfectly.
to some extent
2/tə sˈʌm ɪkstˈɛnt/
fixed phrase
partly but not completely true
Partly true or real, but not completely.
Examples
- I agree with you to some extent.
- The plan worked, to some extent.