Words / B1

ik-SPANSHUN/ɪkˈspænʃn/

Expansion is becoming larger: airport expansion; expansion of the scheme. Expand is the verb (already in the dictionary). Growth is a close twin. Contraction is an opposite in economics. Planning rows: airport expansion delayed. Do not write “an expansion” for every small extra desk.

Meaning

The process of becoming larger in size, number, or importance.

Examples

• “Airport expansion was delayed after the noise inquiry.”
• “The expansion of free school meals needs a budget line.”

Good to know

expansion of; airport / business expansion. Verb: expand. Close: growth. Opposite: contraction. Planning inquiries. Not a tiny extra shelf.

Near in meaning

growth

New