expand

• Verbe utilisé pour désigner l'action d'augmenter la taille, le volume ou l'échelle, ou de provoquer une telle augmentation.

A verb used to indicate the act of becoming larger in size, volume, or scope, or to cause something to increase.

1. Increase in sizeB1formal

   To become larger in size, volume, or quantity.

   augmenter de taille

   • The balloon expanded as it was filled with air.
   • The company plans to expand its operations overseas.
   • Metals expand when heated.

   Synonymesballoonbloatdilatedistendenlargegrowincreaseinflateswellwiden

   Antonymescompresscontractshrink

2. Elaborate or developB2formal

   To express something in more detail or to develop an idea further.

   développer, expliciter

   • Could you expand on your proposal?
   • The author expanded the short story into a full novel.
   • She expanded her argument with additional evidence.

   Synonymesamplifydevelopelaborateembellishexpatiateflesh out

   Antonymesabbreviateabridgecompresscondensecurtailshorten

3. Spread outB1formal

   To extend or stretch out over a larger area.

   étendre (sur une plus grande surface)

   • The city expanded rapidly during the 20th century.
   • The forest expands for miles to the north.
   • His influence expanded beyond his home country.

   Synonymesextendfan outoutspreadspreadspread outstretchunfoldunfurl

   Antonymescompresscontractshrink