Words / B2

ik-STENS-iv/ɪkˈstensɪv/

Extensive means covering a large area, amount, or range: extensive damage; extensive research; extensive experience. Large is everyday; comprehensive is already in the dictionary and stresses completeness. Intensive (B1) means concentrated effort in a short time — a classic mix-up. Extensively is the adverb. Do not call a paragraph extensive research.

Meaning

Covering a large area, amount, or range.

Examples

• “The storm caused extensive damage to coastal rail lines.”
• “The storm caused extensive damage to coastal lines.”
• “She has extensive experience of inquiry work, not a single placement.”

Good to know

extensive damage / research / experience. Adverb: extensively. Mix-up: intensive (concentrated). Close: comprehensive (complete).

Near in meaning

wide-ranging

New