different between expand vs lengthen

English

Etymology

Recorded in Middle English since 1422 (as expanden, expaunden), from Anglo-Norman espaundre, from Latin expandere present active infinitive of expand? (“to spread out”), itself from ex- (“out, outwards”) + pand? (“to spread”). Doublet of spawn.

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ænd
• IPA^(key): /?k?spænd/

Verb

expand (third-person singular simple present expands, present participle expanding, simple past and past participle expanded)

1. (transitive) To change (something) from a smaller form or size to a larger one; to spread out or lay open.

2. (transitive) To increase the extent, number, volume or scope of (something).
3. (transitive) To express (something) at length and/or in detail.
4. (transitive, algebra) To rewrite (an expression) as a longer, yet equivalent sum of terms.

5. (intransitive, algebra, of an expression) To become, by rewriting, a longer, yet equivalent sum of terms.

6. (transitive, arithmetic) To multiply both the numerator and the denominator of a fraction by the same natural number yielding a fraction of equal value
7. (intransitive) To change or grow from smaller to larger in form, number, or size.

8. (intransitive) To increase in extent, number, volume or scope.
9. (intransitive) To speak or write at length or in detail.
10. (intransitive) To feel generous or optimistic.

Synonyms

• (to change from a smaller form/size to a larger one): open out, spread, spread out, unfold
• (to increase the extent, number, volume or scope of): enlarge
• (to express at length or in detail): elaborate (on), expand on

Antonyms

• (to change from a smaller form/size to a larger one): contract
• (to increase the extent, number, volume or scope of): contract
• (algebra: to rewrite as an equivalent sum of terms): factor

Derived terms

• expandable
• expander

Related terms

• expanse
• expansible
• expansile
• expansive
• expansion
• expansionism

Translations

English

Etymology

From length +? -en.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?l??(k)??n/

Verb

lengthen (third-person singular simple present lengthens, present participle lengthening, simple past and past participle lengthened)

1. (transitive) To make longer, to extend the length of.
2. (intransitive) To become longer.

   The shadows on the lawn lengthened as the sun began to set.

Antonyms

• shorten

Translations