What is extension? Pronunciation and usage in English

extension means . Learn how to pronounce and use extension through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of extension

extensionnoun

/ɪkˈstɛnʃn//ɛkˈstɛnʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of extension

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "extension" in English. Here's a breakdown with phonetic transcriptions and tips:

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

  • /ɪˈstɛnʃən/

Let's break that down:

  • ɪ: This is a short, “i” sound, like in “bit” or “fix.”
  • ˈstɛn: This is the first syllable.
    • st: Pronounced like "st" in "stop."
    • ɛ: This is a short “e” sound, like in “bed” or “set.”
    • n: Pronounced as the “n” in “run.”
  • ʃən: This is the final syllable, and it's a tricky part.
    • ʃ: This is the “sh” sound, as in “ship.”
    • ən: This is a schwa sound (ə), which is a very short, neutral vowel sound. It's like the “a” in “about” or “very.” It's often reduced and almost disappears.

2. Saying it out loud (with emphasis):

  • ih-STEN-shun (stress on “STEN”)

3. Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Separate Syllables: The key is to really notice the three distinct syllables: "ih," "sten," and "shun."
  • The "sh" sound: Make sure you're really producing the "sh" sound confidently in the final part of the word.
  • The Schwa Sound: The “ən” at the end is often very weak and reduced. Don’t try to over-emphasize it. Almost like it disappears.

4. Common Mistakes:

  • Saying "ex-ten-sion": This is a very common mistake. "Ex-" is a prefix, and the word "extension" doesn't have that prefix.
  • Pronouncing "sten" as "sten" (like "stench"): It's a short, light "e" sound, not a long one.

Resources for Hearing it Pronounced:

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some example sentences using the word "extension"?
  • Focus on practicing a specific part of the pronunciation (like the "sh" sound)?

Usage and examples with the word extension in English

Let's break down how to use the word "extension" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Physical Extension (Most Common)

  • Meaning: A part that adds to something else, making it longer or wider.
  • Examples:
    • "We need to buy a phone extension so I can reach everyone." (Adding a telephone line)
    • "The building has a large extension built onto the side." (Adding a room or wing)
    • "The road had an extension to accommodate the new housing development." (Adding a roadway)
    • "He added an extension to his bookcase to hold more books." (Adding shelves)

2. Software Extension (Digital)

  • Meaning: A program or add-on that enhances the functionality of a software program.
  • Examples:
    • “I installed a Chrome extension to block ads.” (Adding a feature to a browser)
    • "Adobe Photoshop offers many extensions that allow you to do advanced editing." (Adding tools or capabilities)
    • "There's a free spelling extension available for Microsoft Word." (Adding a feature to a word processor)

3. Time Extension (Duration)

  • Meaning: An added period of time.
  • Examples:
    • “I requested a one-week extension on the deadline.” (Adding a week to the due date)
    • "The judge granted a legal extension." (Adding time to a legal process)
    • "We got an extension for our vacation due to the weather." (Adding time to the vacation)

4. Figurative Extension (Expanding)

  • Meaning: To broaden or expand something, often in a metaphorical sense.
  • Examples:
    • “The company’s extension into the European market was successful.” (Expanding their business)
    • "Her research extension into the field of sociology was groundbreaking." (Expanding her research area)
    • "The new policy offered an extension of benefits to long-term employees." (Expanding the benefits offered).

5. Extension (As a Noun - Related to a Person)

  • Meaning: A person who is connected to or associated with a group or organization. (Less common, but it exists)
  • Example: "She’s the marketing extension of our CEO." (Meaning she supports the CEO’s work).

Key Tips for Using "Extension":

  • Context is crucial: The meaning of “extension” is always determined by the context of the sentence.
  • Prepositions: Often used with prepositions like “of,” “to,” or “on” (e.g., “a phone extension of 555-1212,” “an extension to the building,” “an extension on the deadline”).

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored information, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about when you want to use the word "extension"? (e.g., are you talking about software, a building, time, or something else?)

Synonyms for the word extension

Idioms of the word extension

by extension
(formal)taking the argument or situation one stage further
  • The blame lies with the teachers and, by extension, with the Education Service.

Practice with vocabulary extension

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project manager requested a two-week ___________ for the final report deadline due to unforeseen technical issues.
  2. Our company is planning an ___________ of its research and development department, including a new laboratory wing.
  3. The rapid ___________ of the global market for electric vehicles has surprised many analysts.
  4. We need to make an important ___________ to the contract before it is finalized.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (select all that apply)

  1. Which of the following refers to a part added to a building or structure? a) annex b) appendix c) extension d) development
  2. You would request an ___________ if you needed more time to complete a task. a) extension b) enlargement c) amplification d) delay
  3. The new feature is an ___________ of our existing software's capabilities. a) enlargement b) extension c) intensification d) enhancement
  4. Which word describes a general increase in size, scope, or quantity? a) diffusion b) expansion c) dispersion d) prolongation
  5. To signify something extra that is joined or connected to something else, you might use: a) supplement b) addition c) attachment d) enlargement

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The project deadline was moved back by two weeks. (Use "extension" or a related word form)
  2. The university is planning to build a new section for its library. (Use "extension" or a related word form)
  3. Our company is growing rapidly into new international markets. (Do NOT use "extension"; use a suitable replacement word)

Answer Key

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. extension
  2. extension
  3. expansion
  4. amendment

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) annex, c) extension
  2. a) extension
  3. b) extension, d) enhancement
  4. b) expansion
  5. a) supplement, b) addition, c) attachment

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. An extension of two weeks was granted for the project deadline.
  2. The university is planning an extension to its library building.
  3. Our company is undergoing rapid expansion into new international markets.

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