a. [ Cf. F. expansif. ] 1. Having a capacity or tendency to expand or dilate; diffusive; of much expanse; wide-extending; as, the expansive force of heat; the expansive quality of air. [ wns=1 ] [ 1913 Webster ] A more expansive and generous compassion. Eustace. [ 1913 Webster ] His forehead was broad and expansive. Prescott. 2. causing expansion; as, the expansive force of heat. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ] 3. of much expanse; wide-extending; as, an expansive view of the mountains. [ PJC ] 4. friendly, open, and unrestrained in conversation or discourse; -- of people; as, wine made the guest expansive. [ wns=4 ] Syn. -- effusive, talkative. [ WordNet 1.5 ] 5. characterized by exaggerated feelings of euphoria and delusions of grandeur. [ wns=3 ] [ WordNet 1.5 ] -- Ex*pan"sive*ly, adv. -Ex*pan"sive*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ] |