expansiveadj.
/ᵻkˈspansɪv/, /ɛkˈspansɪv/, U.S. /ɪkˈspænsɪv/, /ɛkˈspænsɪv/ 1.
a. Tending or adapted to expand in volume, to spread over a larger surface, or fill a larger space; having the capacity to expand or develop to larger dimensions; dilatable. Said both of material and immaterial objects.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > extension in space > expansion or enlargement > [adjective] > tending to expand
expansive1651
expatiative1820
1651 W. Davenant Gondibert ii. i. 3 By increase of swift expansive light The lost Horizon was apparent growne.
1728 J. Thomson Spring 3 No more Th' expansive Atmosphere is cramp'd with Cold.
1805 W. Saunders Treat. Mineral Waters (ed. 2) 4 Water is composed..of a fluid expansive ether.
1879 R. J. Atcherley Trip to Boërland 148 I changed my cartridge for another with an expansive ball.
1884 B. Bosanquet et al. tr. H. Lotze Metaphysic 96 The heightened temperature..bringing about in the expansive materials the movement of dilatation.
b. Of persons, their affections, utterances, etc.: Freely going out, effusive, open.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > aspects of emotion > manifestation of emotion > [adjective] > given to or marked by exhibition of emotion
expressivea1616
expansive1659
demonstrative1798
gushy1845
effusive1855
gushing1859
sharing1994
1659 T. Burton Diary (1828) IV. 137 It is said our affections..to France have been more expansive.
1858 O. W. Holmes Autocrat of Breakfast-table x. 287 That ripe and discreet age which invites confidence and expansive utterance.
1884 F. Chance in Notes & Queries 6th Ser. 10 397/1 We English are not an expansive people.
2. Of a force, a movement or tendency: Acting in the direction of expansion; directed towards expansion:
a. within the object or substance itself.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > extension in space > expansion or enlargement > [adjective] > causing expansion or enlargement
expansive1656
enlarging1694
1656 tr. T. Hobbes Elements Philos. iv. xxviii. 351 This expansive motion of the Aire.
1685 R. Boyle Ess. Effects of Motion viii. 103 These stones being lodged in a Cement extremely hard, their expansive endeavour was rendered ineffectual.
1775 S. Johnson Taxation no Tyranny 20 The intumescence of nations would have found its vent like all other expansive violence.
1824 ‘R. Stuart’ Descr. Hist. Steam Engine 143 The steam..from its expansive power, will press [etc.].
1833 N. Arnott Elements Physics (ed. 5) II. i. 95 The liquid..may force a column of mercury to an elevation marking the expansive tendency.
1846 G. Grote Hist. Greece I. i. xvi. 486 The expansive force of Grecian intellect.
1847 T. Carlyle Burns in Crit. & Misc. Ess. (ed. 3) I. 263 Impelled by the expansive movement of his own irrepressible soul, he struggles forward into the general view.
b. in some other object.
ΚΠ
1744 G. Berkeley Siris (ESTC T72826) §170 Such is the rarefying and expansive force of this element [fire].
1874 J. S. Blackie On Self-culture 85 The direct genial expansive virtue of some great moral sun.
1886 J. Croll Climate & Cosmol. 253 This internal pressure..acts on the mass of ice as an expansive force.
3. Of or pertaining to expansion. Of an engine, process, etc.: Involving or depending upon the principle of expansion.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > extension in space > expansion or enlargement > [adjective]
dilative1634
dilatative1728
expansile1736
expansive1782
dilatational1884
expansional1925
expansionary1936
1782 Watt Specif. Patent 1321 4 The said new or expansive engine.
1858 W. Greener Gunnery in 1858 33 In the expansive principle of rifles.
1858 W. Greener Gunnery in 1858 353 The principles of the expansive rifle.
1888 Pall Mall Gaz. 6 Nov. 8/1 These messages were printed exactly as he sent them, and did not undergo any ‘expansive’ process.
4.
a. Of material things: Expanding over or occupying a large surface or space; having wide bounds, broad, extensive.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > extension in space > measurable spatial extent > largeness > [adjective] > of vast extent
broadOE
sideOE
wideOE
largec1230
spaciousa1382
unridea1425
amplea1492
well-spreadc1540
main1548
overreaching1579
widespread1582
spacious1587
wide-spreading1587
scopeful1598
vasty1598
scopious1599
vast1600
worldwide1602
spaceful1621
dimensious1632
voluminousa1661
extensive1706
sheety1748
sweeping1772
extended1779
expansive1806
wide-spreaded1820
heaven-wide1835
spanless1847
rangy1898
1806 T. S. Surr Winter in London I. iv. 64 It was situated..on the borders of an expansive lake.
1834 T. Medwin Angler in Wales II. 175 He had the character..of being remarkably handsome..his forehead expansive.
1890 Standard 10 Mar. We doubt..whether expansive skirts of the old style will ‘catch on’ in America.
b. Of immaterial things (e.g. thoughts, designs, sympathies): Having a wide range; comprehensive.
ΚΠ
1813 J. C. Eustace Tour through Italy I. ix. 204 A more expansive and generous compassion for the fate of cities and of states.
1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India I. Pref. p. xvi If an observer were to take an expansive view of India.
1830 I. D'Israeli Comm. Life Charles I III. v. 72 The intellect of Laud was neither expansive nor elevated.
1835 I. Taylor Spiritual Despotism i. 12 That enlightened and expansive charity..which should recommend the Christian profession.
1870 R. W. Emerson Society & Solitude 150 Czar Alexander was more expansive, and wished to call the Pacific my ocean.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1894; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1651