stretch
B1Neutral, used across all registers from casual to formal.
Definition
Meaning
To make something longer or wider by pulling it; to extend something to its full length or beyond its normal limits.
To extend over a period, area, or scope; to use something (e.g., resources, abilities) to the limit; to be able to be made longer or wider without tearing.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a verb, but common as a noun (e.g., 'a stretch of road'), adjective ('stretch fabric'), and in compound nouns ('stretch limo'). The sense of 'making an effort' or 'straining' is figurative.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use all main senses. 'Stretch limo' is more common in US media, but the term is universal.
Connotations
Identical core connotations of extension, effort, and flexibility.
Frequency
Equal high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] stretch [ADV/PREP] (e.g., The road stretches into the distance)[NP] stretch [NP] (e.g., She stretched the elastic)[NP] stretch (intransitive) (e.g., The material stretches)[NP] stretch [NP] to [NP] (e.g., We stretched the budget to cover it)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “stretch your legs (go for a short walk)”
- “stretch the truth (exaggerate or lie)”
- “at a stretch (continuously)”
- “stretch a point (make a concession)”
- “by no stretch of the imagination (not at all)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorical use for resources: 'We need to stretch the marketing budget.'
Academic
Describing temporal or spatial extent: 'The dynasty stretched over three centuries.'
Everyday
Physical action or describing fabric: 'I need to stretch before my run.' 'These jeans have a lot of stretch.'
Technical
In physics/materials science: 'The polymer can stretch to 200% of its original length.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Can you stretch this jumper? It's shrunk in the wash.
- The meeting stretched well into the afternoon.
- He stretched out on the sofa for a nap.
American English
- You need to stretch the canvas tightly over the frame.
- Our budget won't stretch to cover a new car.
- The desert stretches for hundreds of miles.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as a standalone adverb.
American English
- Not commonly used as a standalone adverb.
adjective
British English
- She wore a comfortable stretch skirt.
- The fabric is very stretch and forgiving.
American English
- These are my favorite stretch jeans.
- The cover is made of a stretch material.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The cat stretched its legs.
- This sweater can stretch.
- We live on a quiet stretch of the river.
- I like to stretch for five minutes before exercising.
- It's a two-hour drive at a stretch.
- He's stretching the truth about his salary.
- The negotiations stretched over several weeks.
- The author's analogy stretches the reader's imagination.
- We managed to stretch our savings until the end of the month.
- The court's ruling stretched the definition of 'public interest' to its limit.
- A single melody stretches sinuously through the entire movement.
- His influence stretches far beyond the academic world.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a STRETCHER used to carry someone – it's long and extended, just like the meaning of the word.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME/SPACE/IDEAS ARE ELASTIC MATERIALS (e.g., 'stretch a deadline', 'stretch your mind').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'stretch your legs' as 'растянуть ноги' (sounds like an injury). Use 'пройтись, размять ноги'.
- The noun 'stretch' (of road/time) is often 'участок' or 'промежуток', not just 'растяжение'.
- In 'stretch the truth', it means 'приукрасить правду', not 'растягивать правду'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I stretched to reach the book on the high shelf.' (Correct: 'I stretched up to reach...' or 'I stretched (out my arm) to reach...')
- Using 'stretch' for 'warm up' in all exercise contexts. 'Stretching' is specific to elongating muscles.
Practice
Quiz
In the phrase 'by no stretch of the imagination', what does 'stretch' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is regular: stretch - stretched - stretched.
'Stretch' often implies pulling or elasticity (literal or figurative), while 'extend' is more general for making longer, larger, or lasting longer. You stretch rubber, but extend a deadline.
Yes, very commonly: 'The project stretched over two years.' It means it lasted for that time, often longer than expected.
These are lines on the skin (often from pregnancy or rapid growth) caused by the skin being stretched quickly.