ik-STEN-shuhnz
/ɪkˈstɛnʃənz/
extensions is pronounced ik-STEN-shuhnz (/ɪkˈstɛnʃənz/). Extensions refers to things that are added or stretched out, or to the act of extending something in length or scope. In linguistics or technology contexts, it can denote additional components, accessories, or prolongations. The term carries a noun-usage sense (plural of extension) and, less commonly, a verb-like form in phrases such as ‘extensions to the policy.’.
Extensions refers to things that are added or stretched out, or to the act of extending something in length or scope. In linguistics or technology contexts, it can denote additional components, accessories, or prolongations. The term carries a noun-usage sense (plural of extension) and, less commonly, a verb-like form in phrases such as ‘extensions to the policy.’
"She installed several extensions to improve her browser’s functionality."
"The doctor recommended extensions for the spine to relieve pressure."
"Architects designed extensions to the building to create more living space."
Pronounce as /ɪkˈsten.ʃənz/. The main stress is on the second syllable, ‘sten’; the first syllable is quick and reduced to a short /ɪk/ before the prominent /ˈsten/. The final /-s/ becomes /-z/ in natural connected speech. Mouth position: start with a light, short vowel in /ɪ/, quickly move to a clear /s/ in the stressed syllable, then glide into /t/ and /ʃ/ for the 'sh' sound, and finish with a voiced /ənz/.
Two common errors: (1) Misplacing stress or hesitation on the first syllable, leading to ex-TEN-sions instead of ex-TEN-sions; ensure the secondary syllables are quick, with the primary stress on the second syllable. (2) Dropping the final /z/ or mispronouncing /ʃən/ as /ʃən/ with an unchecked vowel. Correct by keeping a light final /z/ and finishing with a clear /ənz/.
In US English, /ɪkˈsten.ʃənz/ with rhoticity affecting preceding vowels slightly; in UK English, /ɪkˈsten.ʃənz/ often with less pronounced rhotics and a crisper /t/; in Australian English, the /ɪ/ in the first syllable can be slightly higher and the /ʃ/ may be broader. Across accents, the middle /sten/ can shift vowel quality subtly, but the strong stress remains on the second syllable.
The difficulty lies in the rapid sequence of consonants: /k/ from the 'ex' cluster, /ˈsten/ with a strong alveolar stop, and the final /ʃənz/ plus /z/. The blend of /t/ and /ʃ/ is another tricky point, as it requires a precise tongue transition to avoid an unintended /tʃ/ or /ʃ/ shift. Also, plural /-z/ after /ən/ can be devoiced in some contexts, so you must ensure voicing carry-through.
Focus on the second syllable’s peak: /sten/. Prepare the mouth for a quick /s/ then a clean /t/ followed by the /ʃ/ to form the ‘sh’ sound; avoid inserting an extra vowel between /t/ and /ʃ/. Keep the final /ənz/ tight, with the /z/ voiced. Practicing with a held /ˈsten/ block followed by /ʃənz/ helps stability.
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Extensions derives from the noun extension, which comes from the Latin extensio, from the verb extendere (to stretch out, spread). The root ex- means out, while tendere means to stretch. In Latin, extensio referred to a stretching out or expansion, often of boundaries or length. The word passed into Old French as extension and then into English by Middle English usage, with early senses tied to stretching physical length, extension of time, or expansion of scope. By the 16th-17th centuries, “extension” was used in mathematics and architecture to denote an added part that lengthens a structure, and later in technology for software or cable extensions. The plural form extensions developed naturally from extension, maintaining the same core meaning of additions that extend an object or concept.
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Words that rhyme with "extensions"
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