Extensive is often used to describe something that covers a large area or involves a considerable amount, such as extensive research or extensive lands. On the other hand, expansive is more about the capacity or tendency to expand, like an expansive view or an expansive personality.

Expansive and extensive are both adjectives used to describe something that is large or covers a wide area. However, expansive emphasizes breadth and openness, often describing people or landscapes, while extensive emphasizes depth and thoroughness, often describing research, collections, or reading lists.

Extensive vs. Expansive Extensive: When something is widespread or covers a large area, it is said to be extensive. For example, extensive reading involves reading a wide range of materials to develop general skills. Expansive: This word describes something that has the capacity or tendency to expand.

They can have the same meaning = large in scope / amount I have an extensive collection of vintage jazz albums. = I have an expansive collection of vintage jazz albums. He has an expansive knowledge of international trade regulations. = He has an extensive knowledge of international trade regulations. Expansive can mean a few other things too.