Extensive
/ɪkˈstɛn.sɪv/noun
Covering or reaching over a large area or scope; wide-ranging.
Did you know?Extensive comes from Latin *extensus*, a form of *extendere* (“to stretch out”), and its deeper PIE root is tied to the idea of pulling and reaching outward — the same ancient force behind words for tension and extension.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ten-
“to stretch, extend”
Latin
Latin
extendere
“to stretch out, lengthen, expand”
Latin
Latin
extensus
“stretched out, expanded”
Late Latin
Latin
extensivus
“tending to stretch out or expand”
Middle French
French
extensif
“extensive, wide-reaching”
Late 16th Century
English
extensive
“spreading out, broad in scope”