Expound vs. Expand — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 22, 2024
Expound involves explaining something in detail, focusing on clarity and depth, while expand refers to increasing in size, scope, or detail.
Difference Between Expound and Expand
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Expound is used when someone provides a detailed explanation or interpretation of a concept or theory, aiming to clarify and elucidate, whereas expand involves making something larger or more extensive, such as a business, physical space, or an idea.
Expound often appears in contexts where theoretical or complex ideas need to be made accessible, like in academic or religious discussions, while expand is commonly used in physical and metaphorical growth contexts, such as expanding one's knowledge or a company's operations.
Expound can also involve discussing a subject in great detail, offering insights and comprehensive understanding, on the other hand, expand may include adding details to a story or explanation, increasing its complexity or reach.
Expound requires a deep understanding and ability to articulate that understanding effectively, emphasizing the depth of knowledge, whereas expand typically focuses on breadth, increasing the quantity or scope rather than depth.
In literary or formal settings, expound is preferred for detailed explanations and expositions, while expand is more versatile, applying to physical, intellectual, and metaphorical enlargements.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Efinition
To explain something in detail
To increase in size, number, or scope
Usage
Intellectual, educational contexts
Physical, business, educational
Focus
Depth of information
Breadth or scope of information
Example Context
Expounding a theory in a lecture
Expanding a business internationally
Connotation
Intellectual clarity, depth of knowledge
Growth, enlargement, extension
Compare with Definitions
Expound
To present and explain a theory or idea systematically and in detail.
He expounded his management theory at the conference.
Expand
To broaden the range or scope of something.
She expanded her research to include additional variables.
Expound
To make clear the meaning of something.
She expounded the legal text to the jury.
Expand
To become larger or more extensive.
The balloon expanded as it was filled with air.
Expound
To provide a detailed statement or explanation.
He expounded his views on the economic policies very clearly.
Expand
To provide more detail or information.
He expanded on the original ideas in his thesis.
Expound
To interpret or construct meaning from a complex idea.
The philosopher expounded on the meanings of existentialism.
Expand
To increase the volume or extent of something.
The company plans to expand into Asian markets.
Expound
To explain something with elaboration and clarity.
The teacher expounded the laws of physics to the class.
Expand
To extend or open out, spread out.
The wings of the bird expanded as it began to fly.
Expound
Present and explain (a theory or idea) in detail
He was expounding a powerful argument
He declined to expound on his decision
Expand
To increase the size, volume, quantity, or scope of; enlarge
Expanded her store by adding a second room.
Expound
To explain in detail; elucidate
She expounded her theory on the origin of the conflict.
Expand
To express at length or in detail; enlarge on
Expanded his remarks afterward.
Expound
To make known or set forth; present
"In the 1956 campaign he cheerfully expounded views that had gravely disturbed him four years earlier" (Helen Sasson).
Expand
To open (something) up or out; spread out
The bird expanded its wings and flew off.
Expound
To make a detailed statement
The professor was expounding on a favorite topic.
Expand
(Mathematics) To write (a quantity) as a sum of terms in an extended form.
Expound
(transitive) To set out the meaning of; to explain or discuss at length
Expand
To become greater in size, volume, quantity, or scope
Air expands when heated. This critic's influence is expanding.
Expound
(intransitive) To make a statement, especially at length.
He expounded often on the dangers of the imperial presidency.
Expand
To speak or write at length or in detail
Expand on a favorite topic.
Expound
To lay open; to expose to view; to examine.
He expounded both his pockets.
Expand
To open up or out; unfold
The chair expands to form a daybed.
Expound
To lay open the meaning of; to explain; to clear of obscurity; to interpret; as, to expound a text of Scripture, a law, a word, a meaning, or a riddle.
Expound this matter more fully to me.
Expand
(transitive) To change (something) from a smaller form or size to a larger one; to spread out or lay open.
You can expand this compact umbrella to cover a large table.
Expound
Add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing;
She elaborated on the main ideas in her dissertation
Expand
(transitive) To increase the extent, number, volume or scope of (something).
A flower expands its leaves.
Expound
State;
Set forth one's reasons
Expand
(transitive) To express (something) at length and/or in detail.
Expand
To rewrite (an expression) as a longer, yet equivalent sum of terms.
Use the binomial theorem to expand .
Expand
To become, by rewriting, a longer, yet equivalent sum of terms.
The expression expands to .
Expand
To multiply both the numerator and the denominator of a fraction by the same natural number yielding a fraction of equal value
Expand
(intransitive) To change or grow from smaller to larger in form, number, or size.
Many materials expand when heated.
This compact umbrella expands to cover a large table.
Expand
(intransitive) To increase in extent, number, volume or scope.
Expand
(intransitive) To speak or write at length or in detail.
He expanded on his plans for the business.
Expand
(intransitive) To feel generous or optimistic.
Expand
To lay open by extending; to open wide; to spread out; to diffuse; as, a flower expands its leaves.
Then with expanded wings he steers his flight.
Expand
To cause the particles or parts of to spread themselves or stand apart, thus increasing bulk without addition of substance; to make to occupy more space; to dilate; to distend; to extend every way; to enlarge; - opposed to contract; as, to expand the chest; heat expands all bodies; to expand the sphere of benevolence.
Expand
To state in enlarged form; to develop; as, to expand an equation. See Expansion, 5.
Expand
To become widely opened, spread apart, dilated, distended, or enlarged; as, flowers expand in the spring; metals expand by heat; the heart expands with joy.
Expand
Extend in one or more directions;
The dough expands
Expand
Become larger in size or volume or quantity;
His business expanded rapidly
Expand
Make bigger or wider in size, volume, or quantity;
Expand the house by adding another wing
Expand
Grow stronger;
The economy was booming
Expand
Exaggerate or make bigger;
The charges were inflated
Expand
Add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing;
She elaborated on the main ideas in her dissertation
Expand
Expand the influence of;
The King extended his rule to the Eastern part of the continent
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to expound a concept?
To expound a concept means to explain it thoroughly and in detail.
How does expand differ when used in a business context?
In business, expand refers to growing the company's reach, products, or market presence.
Can expand be used in an educational setting?
Yes, expand can be used to describe increasing knowledge or curriculum scope in education.
What is a common context where expound is used?
Expound is commonly used in academic, legal, or religious contexts to explain complex ideas.
Does expand always imply physical growth?
No, expand can also refer to non-physical growth, such as expanding knowledge or influence.
Is expound typically used in casual conversation?
Expound is more formal and less likely to appear in casual conversation compared to expand.
How does the physical act of expanding relate to metaphorical uses?
Physical expansion, like a balloon growing, metaphorically applies to ideas or businesses growing in scope.
What is an example of expanding an argument?
Adding supporting details or examples to make the argument more comprehensive or convincing.
What skills are necessary to effectively expound?
Clear communication, deep understanding, and the ability to engage an audience are key for expounding.
Can expound and expand be used interchangeably?
No, because expound relates to explaining in detail, while expand refers to growth or increase in size.
What does it mean to expand one's horizons?
It means to broaden one's experiences, knowledge, or understanding.
Is expound a common verb in English?
Expound is less common and more formal than expand.
How does one expound a legal document?
By systematically explaining its contents and implications in detail.
Can a person be described as expansive?
Yes, describing a person as expansive can refer to their open, communicative, or generous nature.
What does it mean to expand upon a previous statement?
It means to add further information or clarification to what was already said.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Strategize vs. Strategise
Next Comparison
Meeting vs. BriefingAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
