extensión
nounCEFR B2
What does “extensión” mean in English?
extension, prolongation
extension, prolongation (lengthening in time or space; la extensión del contrato; por extensión = by extension)
Example sentences
La extensión del período de prácticas a seis meses ha generado debate entre los estudiantes.
The extension of the internship period to six months has generated debate among students.
La extensión del desierto del Sahara es tal que supera la superficie total de varios países europeos combinados.
The extent of the Sahara desert is such that it exceeds the total area of several European countries combined.
El concepto de ciudadanía, por extensión, puede aplicarse a los derechos que toda persona tiene en el Estado donde reside.
The concept of citizenship, by extension, can be applied to the rights any person holds in the state where they reside.
How to use it
La extensión (noun, feminine) has three productive B2 senses: (1) a lengthening/prolongation in time; (2) a geographical or spatial extent; (3) a phone extension. At B2, senses (1) and (2) dominate. Core collocations: la extensión del contrato/plazo/mandato (prolongation); la extensión del territorio/del desierto (spatial); por extensión (by extension — formal connective); una extensión de... The verb is extender(se). Distinguish from ampliación (enlargement — often physical) and alcance (scope/reach).
Common mistake
Don't confuse extensión (extension/prolongation/extent) with extenso/a (adjective: extensive). 'Phone extension' = extensión (same word in Spanish). The formal connective por extensión (by extension, in a broader sense) is very useful at B2 and should be learnt as a fixed phrase.