étendre

Senses

1. 1.

   to stretch; to extend

   to make longer or spread out in space

2. 2.

   to spread; to lay out

   to distribute or arrange over a surface

3. 3.

   to extend; to expand

   to increase in scope, duration, or reach

4. 4.

   to lie down; to stretch out

   to assume a prone or reclined position

Examples

• "Elle a étendu le linge sur la corde."

  She hung (spread out) the washing on the line.

• "Le projet s'étend maintenant à trois pays."

  The project now extends to three countries.

• "Il s'est étendu sur le canapé pour se reposer."

  He stretched out on the sofa to rest.

Usage

Étendre is a common transitive verb (or reflexive when meaning "to stretch out" or "to extend/expand"). In idiomatic use, "étendre son influence" means "to expand/extend one's influence." Avoid confusing with "tendre" (to hold out/offer).