to make something longer, larger, or last for a greater amount of time
She asked the architect to extend the balcony so it could fit a small table.
Because of the snowstorm, the teacher extended the homework deadline by two days.
✦ From Latin extendere, from ex- “out” + tendere “stretch”.
to continue or reach over a particular distance, area, or period of time
The Great Wall of China extends for thousands of kilometers across rugged mountains.
The music festival extends over two full weeks each summer.
✦ Same Latin root as other senses: extendere “stretch out”.
to straighten or stretch out a limb or part of the body
He extended his hand to help her climb the steep steps.
The yoga instructor told everyone to extend their arms overhead and breathe deeply.
✦ Links to Latin tendere “stretch”, illustrating the physical act.
to offer something such as help, thanks, or an invitation in a formal or polite way
The company extended a warm welcome to the new interns at the reception.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks for your generous donation.
✦ Derived from the idea of ‘stretching out’ one’s hand to give something, hence to offer formally.
lasting longer than usual or longer than expected
The company gave everyone an extended weekend to rest.
After heavy snow, the village suffered an extended power outage.
in a thorough, comprehensive, and detailed way.
The scientist researched the topic extensively.
He studied the subject extensively before the exam.
✦ From late Middle English, formed by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to the adjective 'extensive', which derives from Latin 'extensus', past participle of 'extendere' meaning 'to stretch out'.
over a wide area or to a large extent.
The forest was extensively logged last year.
The area was extensively flooded.
