Aris - 胡均上
Difference between 'expansive' and 'extensive' Hello guys. Can someone tell me the difference between expansive and extensive? And by the way, is the only difference between the pronunciation of 'expansive' and 'expensive' the stress? Thanks in advance!
Aug 8, 2012 4:07 PM
Answers · 4
Thanks for the answers!
October 6, 2012
Since there have been no responses to the second part of your question, I will offer the following: Both expansive and expensive are pronounced with the emphasis on the second syllable. The difference is in the pronunciation of those syllables, with expansive having a short “a” sound and expensive having a short “e” sound. In the case of expansive, the second syllable is “pan,” which has a short “a” sound. Note: Although it is not related to the word expansive, you may recognize “pan” as an English word that means a kind of shallow cooking pot. It rhymes with and should be pronounced like other English words that you may know, such as can, fan, man and ran. In the case of expensive, the second syllable is “pen,” which has a short “e” sound. Note: Although it is not related to the word expensive, you may recognize “pen” as an English word that means a kind of writing instrument that uses ink. It rhymes with and should be pronounced like other English words that you may know, such as den, hen, men and ten. I hope this helps.
September 24, 2012
Fdmaxey is correct, of course. I always thought of expansive meaning something that was still in the process of expanding (like his company example) and extensive meaning something more fixed that has not or will not change.
August 8, 2012
'Expansive' can mean 'extensive' in the sense of covering a large area or range. However, 'expansive' can also mean something that is large and still in the process of expanding. "The company is expansive, buying many of its smaller competitors It can also mean waiting for someone with open arms, ready to hug hem. "His aunt crouched down in an expansive pose, ready to greet her nephew."
August 8, 2012
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