extent

noun

ex·​tent ik-ˈstent 

1

a

: the range over which something extends : scope

the extent of her jurisdiction

b

: the amount of space or surface that something occupies or the distance over which it extends : magnitude

the extent of the forest

c

: the point, degree, or limit to which something extends

using talents to the greatest extent

2

a

: seizure (as of land) in execution of a writ of extent in Great Britain

also : the condition of being so seized

b

: a writ giving to a creditor temporary possession of his debtor's property

3

archaic : valuation (as of land) in Great Britain especially for taxation

Synonyms

• bound
• boundary
• cap
• ceiling
• confines
• end
• limit
• limitation
• line
• termination

Examples of extent in a Sentence

She tried to determine the extent of the damage.

the full extent of human knowledge

He questions the extent to which these remedies are needed.

Recent Examples on the Web

The ideology behind this approach, to the extent that there was one, went by a particularly unsexy name: legalism. —Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 13 Dec. 2024

On average, the court takes six months to issue an opinion but given the extent of the proceedings, a decision isn’t expected until late in 2025. —Molly Quell, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024

You were bound to feel the full extent of these eclipses, as your birth chart is saturated with intense cardinal sign energy (that is, the energy of Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn). —Roya Backlund, StyleCaster, 13 Dec. 2024

Its mice and rat control service includes a comprehensive inspection to assess the extent of an infestation and the vulnerabilities of the home. —Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French estente, extente land valuation, from extendre, estendre to survey, evaluate, literally, to extend

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing extent

• to a certain extent
• to a greater/lesser degree/extent
• to a greater or lesser degree/extent
• to a great extent
• to such an extent
• to the fullest extent of
• to what extent
• writ of extent

Kids Definition

extent

noun

ex·​tent ik-ˈstent 

1

: the range, distance, or space over or through which something extends

the extent of the Roman empire

2

: the point, degree, or limit to which something extends

the extent of her knowledge