ikˈspan(t)siv, ek-, -paan-, -sēv also -səv adjective
Etymology: Latin expans us (past participle of expandere to expand) + English -ive — more at expand
1. : having a capacity or a tendency to expand
expansive materials
2. : causing or tending to cause expansion
the expansive force of fire
3.
a. : characterized by high spirits or benevolent inclinations : freely communicative : genial
like all secretive persons she could be suddenly expansive at times — Arnold Bennett
some kindly or helpful act, some expansive expression of fellowship — S.H.Adams
b. : marked by or indicative of exaggerated euphoria and delusions of self-importance
4. : applying, working by, or capable of expansion
an expansive engine
an expansive gear
5. : having considerable extent : broad , extensive
came abreast of the expansive glittering lake — William Bartram
a course of lectures on the religions of the world … or on something equally expansive — Agnes Repplier
6. : characterized by largeness or magnificence of scale : ample , spacious
those glorious days of expansive living were soon curtailed — Frank Monaghan
they were liberal with good timber in those expansive days — George Farwell
7. : expansionist
Synonyms: see elastic