expanse
Translation
expanse, stretch, area, tract
Examples
The great expanse of the desert stretched before them.
The great expanse of the desert stretched before them.
He stared out at the blue expanse of the ocean.
He stared out at the blue expanse of the ocean.
Grammar Patterns
((an expanse of sth.)) a wide area of (sth.) The great expanse of the desert stretched before them.
Similar Words
Synonyms: stretch, area, tract, plain
Etymology
From Latin 'ex-' (out) + 'pandere' (to spread). It literally means 'that which is spread out'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'expanding space'. An expanse is a wide, open space that seems to expand before your eyes.