extent

noun

ex·​tent ik-ˈstent How to pronounce extent (audio)
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

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 While the two sported coordinating aviator sunglasses and button downs, the next shot revealed that that was the extent of their outfits — though the screen blurred below the belt, of course. Antonia Debianchi, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 But the extent of the uncommitted vote on Tuesday's elections will serve as a way to measure the discontent over Mr. Biden's foreign policy, especially among Arab American voters and younger, progressive voters. Aaron Navarro, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2024 Being audited is just terrifying; so, to a lesser extent, is wasting even more time filing your taxes. Geoffrey A. Fowler, Washington Post, 4 Mar. 2024 Residents began clearing affected property on Saturday and by Sunday the extent of the loss began mounting. Valerie Gonzalez, Fortune, 4 Mar. 2024 For his part, Beristain, who has now returned to his home in Spain, lamented that the extent of the military’s involvement in the saga remains unclear. Alma Guillermoprieto, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024 When Farnsworth and his collaborators watched radar images in 2017, the extent of birds’ behavior was surprising. Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2024 Interpreting OpenAI Charter The filing cites the OpenAI Charter in its current form, and questions the extent to which the company is upholding its claim to ensure its AI pursuits are in the interest of humanity. Andrew Leahey, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 That meant creating safeguards to protect EU users to the greatest extent possible and to respond to new threats, including new vectors for malware and viruses, opportunities for scams and fraud, and challenges to ensuring apps are functional on Apple’s platforms. Emma Roth, The Verge, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'extent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of extent was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near extent

Cite this Entry

“Extent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extent. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

extent

noun
ex·​tent ik-ˈstent How to pronounce extent (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on extent

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