simple extension: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium (C1)Formal, Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “simple extension” mean?
A basic or uncomplicated addition, enlargement, or continuation of something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A basic or uncomplicated addition, enlargement, or continuation of something.
In mathematics (field theory), an extension field that is generated by adjoining a single element to a base field; more broadly, any minimal or straightforward addition to a system.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. Usage patterns are identical, dictated by register and field.
Connotations
Neutral; suggests ease and lack of complication.
Frequency
Slightly more common in UK academic/technical writing, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “simple extension” in a Sentence
NP be a simple extension of NPbuild/develop/create a simple extension to NPNP require(s) only a simple extensionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “simple extension” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The simple-extension principle was applied.
- They needed a simple-version upgrade.
American English
- The simple-argument premise was flawed.
- It was a simple-design add-on.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The new service is a simple extension of our existing product line.
Academic
This theory is a simple extension of the principles established by earlier researchers.
Everyday
Adding a porch was a simple extension to the back of the house.
Technical
In Galois theory, a field L is a simple extension of K if L = K(α).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “simple extension”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “simple extension”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “simple extension”
- Using it to mean 'simple explanation' (semantic error).
- Misspelling as 'simple extention'.
- Overusing in non-technical contexts where 'addition' or 'extra part' would suffice.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it functions as a noun phrase where 'simple' modifies 'extension'. It is often hyphenated when used as a pre-modifier (e.g., a simple-extension field).
Rarely negative, but it can imply a lack of ambition or innovation if context suggests a more complex solution was needed. It usually has a positive or neutral connotation of efficiency.
'Simple extension' specifically highlights the lack of complexity, difficulty, or major change involved in the addition. An 'extension' is the general term.
No, it is relatively formal and more common in written, technical, or academic contexts. In casual speech, people might say 'a simple add-on' or 'just an extra bit'.
Simple extension is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Simple extension: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪmp(ə)l ɪkˈstɛnʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪmpəl ɪkˈstɛnʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's a simple extension of the same logic.”
- “Think of it not as new, but as a simple extension.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SIMPLE rubber band. An EXTENSION is just stretching it a bit. A simple extension is an easy, uncomplicated stretch of an existing idea or object.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE BUILDINGS (adding a simple room), PROGRESS IS A PATH (taking one more easy step).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is 'simple extension' a precise, technical term?