Expend

Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

IPA: /ɪkˈspɛnd/

Definitions

• Verb: To use up (resources, time, or energy) for a particular purpose or activity.
• Verb: To spend or distribute money or resources.
• Verb: To consume or disburse something in large amounts.

Usage Examples

• The company decided to expend significant resources on the new marketing campaign.
• She expended all her energy trying to complete the project on time.
• He expended considerable effort to win the competition.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "expendere," meaning "to weigh out, pay out, or spend," from "ex-" (out) and "pendere" (to weigh). The word entered English in the late 14th century, originally meaning "to weigh out money" or "to pay out," later extending to its modern sense of using resources or time.

Synonyms

• Spend
• Consume
• Use up
• Disburse
• Deplete

Antonyms

• Save
• Conserve
• Accumulate
• Preserve
• Retain

Translations

Major Global Languages

Indian Languages

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, "expend" is often pronounced with a soft "e" as in /ɪkˈspɛnd/.
• In British English, the pronunciation is nearly identical but might slightly differ in regional accents.

Historical Usage

The verb "expend" has been in use since the late Middle Ages. Initially referring to the act of weighing or paying out money, it gradually expanded to describe any action involving the use of resources. By the 16th century, the term was widely used in both financial and non-financial contexts to indicate the consumption of resources, whether material or time-based.

Cultural Nuances

In modern usage, "expend" often carries a sense of significant effort or resources being spent, typically with an implication of careful management. For example, "expend energy" or "expend resources" usually implies a deliberate, often strategic action. In business and personal finance, "expend" is often associated with budget management or project spending.

More Information

The act of expending resources, whether physical, financial, or temporal, is central to many fields, including economics, engineering, and personal productivity. Expenditures are closely monitored in various industries to ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively. For individuals and organizations alike, making decisions about when and how to expend resources is critical to achieving desired outcomes, whether in the form of profits, progress, or personal well-being.