To change (something) from a smaller form or size to a larger one; to spread out or lay open.
"After years of being cramped in a small storefront, the bakery finally expanded its operations into a spacious two-story building."
In plain English: To expand means to make something bigger or wider.
"The company plans to expand its business into new markets next year."
Usage: Use expand to describe something physically growing in size or spreading outward, such as a balloon inflating or a business opening new offices. Avoid using it for abstract ideas like "expanding knowledge," which is better expressed with "broaden" or "increase."
Example Sentences
"The company plans to expand its business into new markets next year."verb
"We need to expand our garden with more flowers next spring."verb
"The company plans to expand its business into new markets soon."verb
"Please expand on your answer by giving specific details."verb
The word "expand" entered Middle English in 1422 from the Anglo-Norman espaundre and Latin expandere, originally meaning to spread out. It is a doublet of the word "spawn," sharing a common root related to spreading or extending outward.