Definition

Relating to or promoting growth or increase, especially in economic terms.

Example

The government implemented expansionary policies to stimulate the economy.

Conversation

I was reading about the economy, and they mentioned expansionary policies.

Oh really? What do those policies involve?

They tend to focus on increasing spending to boost growth.

That makes sense; it sounds like a good way to stimulate the economy.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Expansionary → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out) and "pandere" (meaning to spread). The word describes the act of spreading out or increasing in size or scope.

Memory Tip

Think of 'spreading out' ('ex-') to remember that 'expansionary' means related to increasing or enlarging.

Visually Confused Words