expand

• 动词，表示使某物的尺寸、体积、范围或规模增大，或指自身变大、扩展。也可表示将事物详细阐述或展开。

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.

   扩大

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

   同义词balloonbloatdilatedistendenlargegrowincreaseinflateswellwiden

   反义词compresscontractshrink

2. Elaborate or developB2formal

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

   展开

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

   同义词amplifydevelopelaborateembellishexpatiateflesh out

   反义词abbreviateabridgecompresscondensecurtailshorten

3. Spread outB1formal

   To extend or stretch out over a larger area.

   扩展

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

   同义词extendfan outoutspreadspreadspread outstretchunfoldunfurl

   反义词compresscontractshrink