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expansion

This word is most commonly used as a countable noun when referring to specific instances of growth (e.g., "a rapid expansion"), but it can be uncountable when talking about the general process. In scientific contexts, such as physics or chemistry, it specifically refers to how materials change size due to heat. When used in writing or speaking, it means making a short idea longer by adding more information.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Jessica is in a frantic meeting while David is at lunch.
Jessica

The board is freaking out. We can't just wing this expansion.

Jessica
David
David

Chill, Jess. It's all about scaling the synergy.

💡
Jessica uses the phrasal verb 'freaking out' to show her anxiety and 'wing it' (meaning to do something without preparation) to express her fear regarding the company's growth plans. David responds with corporate buzzwords ('scaling', 'synergy') to sound visionary while dismissing her concerns.

Meanings

noun

The action of becoming larger or more extensive.

"The rapid expansion of the city has led to increased traffic congestion."

noun

The increase in volume of a substance caused by an increase in temperature.

"Thermal expansion causes the bridge joints to shift during the summer."

noun

The act of adding more detail to a basic idea or statement.

"The author provided an expansion of her initial thesis in the second chapter."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error