Extent

Extent refers to the degree, size, length, or scope of something; how far something reaches or to which something applies. It can describe the range or amount to which something is true, relevant, or significant. The word emphasizes the boundaries, limitations, or perimeters of something, and how much of something is present or affected. Extent can pertain to physical dimensions, abstract concepts, or the impact of an action or situation. It often highlights the relative size, degree, or influence of a subject.

Extent meaning with examples

• The archaeologist was surprised by the Extent of the ruins discovered. They stretched further than initially predicted, providing insight into a vast ancient civilization, revealing the surprising range of artifacts and architectural complexity. The excavation proved the city's unexpectedly large size, changing historical assumptions.
• The severity of the environmental damage was shocking, and scientists were still assessing the full Extent of the pollution. The contamination had affected multiple ecosystems. Efforts to contain the spread of harmful chemicals were ongoing, to mitigate the impact on local wildlife and human populations.
• After reviewing the company's financial records, the auditor was worried about the Extent of the fraud that had occurred. The illicit activity involved several departments and large sums of money, demanding legal proceedings and internal policy reforms to safeguard funds and prevent further losses.
• The teacher's students performed better than expected, with a clear difference in the Extent of knowledge they showed at the final examination. The students grasped the concepts with greater nuance. The curriculum and teaching methods had yielded positive results when measured against the prior teaching approach.
• The impact of the new policy reached a wide extent. It affected both private and public sector. Economists had to measure the overall effect. The government was monitoring its implementation to assess potential changes to existing law.