Expand Meaning
Expand Definition & Usage
To increase in size, number, or importance; to make something larger or more extensive.
Examples
- "The company plans to expand its operations to new markets next year."
- "The population of the city is expected to expand significantly over the next decade."
- "She decided to expand her business by offering online services."
- "His knowledge of the subject expanded as he read more articles."
- "The city is expanding its infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of residents."
To express something in more detailed or elaborate terms, or to open it up to a more complex form.
Examples
- "In calculus, we expand polynomials to simplify complex expressions."
- "The teacher asked the student to expand on her answer with more details."
- "Scientists expanded their research to include several new variables."
- "The equation expands into a series of terms when simplified."
- "You should expand the formula before applying it to solve the problem."
To grow or increase in scope, functionality, or coverage, especially in business and technology.
Examples
- "The software company is looking to expand its features to include AI-driven capabilities."
- "They plan to expand their online presence through targeted social media marketing."
- "As technology advances, the possibilities for expanding virtual reality are vast."
- "The startup expanded its product line to meet new consumer demands."
- "To remain competitive, businesses must continuously expand their offerings."
Cultural Context
The term 'expand' originates from the Latin word 'expandere,' which means 'to spread out' or 'to enlarge.' It has evolved in English to encompass both literal physical expansion and metaphorical growth in terms of knowledge, influence, or operations. The word is widely used in everyday language, as well as in academic, business, and technological contexts.
The Expanding Horizon
Story
The Expanding Horizon
In a small town nestled between hills, there lived a young woman named Clara who dreamed of expanding her bakery. The town was known for its scenic views, but it lacked a place where locals could gather for freshly baked goods. Clara had inherited her grandmother's small shop, which was quaint but limited in capacity. One day, she decided to take the leap. She'd expand her business by adding new items to the menu, like organic breads and locally sourced pastries. She also planned to offer a cozy space for customers to sit and enjoy their treats. As Clara began the process, she realized that expanding her business required more than just buying new equipment or hiring staff. She had to expand her mindset, pushing herself to learn more about food trends, marketing, and customer service. The first few months were a challenge, but slowly the bakery became a hotspot. She expanded her social media presence, gaining a following of loyal customers. One afternoon, Clara stood at the counter, looking at the bustling bakery. The space felt much bigger now, and it was full of life. As she watched a group of friends laughing over coffee, she realized that the business wasn't the only thing expanding—her horizons had grown as well. What started as a small dream had blossomed into a thriving venture. As Clara worked, she thought about her next move. She wanted to expand the bakery’s reach even further. Perhaps she could open a second location in a neighboring town. But for now, she felt proud of how far she had come. In the end, Clara’s journey wasn’t just about expanding a business—it was about expanding her vision and embracing the possibilities ahead. With each step, her world grew larger, as did her sense of accomplishment.
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