online vocabulary.com

Expanse - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

An expanse is a wide, open area or stretch of land, sea, or sky. It emphasizes vastness and uninterrupted space, often evoking a sense of grandeur or freedom.

expanse

/ɪkˈspæns/ /ɪkˈspæns/

Definition:

A wide, open area or surface; a large stretch of land, sky, or space.

Synonyms:

stretch, breadth, vastness, sweep

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

confine, limit

Common Collocations:

vast expanse, open expanse, endless expanse

Derivatives:

expansion, expansive

Usage Tips:

Use "expanse" to describe large, open areas like deserts or skies; avoid for small spaces.

Common Phrases:

across the expanse, endless expanse of time

Etymology:

From Latin "expansus," meaning "spread out," via Old French "expanse."

Examples:

  • 1. The ocean stretched out in a vast blue expanse before us.
  • 2. We gazed at the starry expanse of the night sky.
  • 3. The desert’s sandy expanse seemed endless under the hot sun.
  • 4. A grassy expanse surrounded the old castle ruins.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS