S'étendre (en. To extend)

/s.e.tɛ̃dʁ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
verb
To make oneself comfortable or relax in a more extended position.
She lay down on the couch to watch television.
Elle s'est étendue sur le canapé pour regarder la télévision.
To spread out over a surface or in a space.
The tablecloth spread out over the entire table.
La nappe s'est étendue sur toute la table.
To develop or spread over time or in space.
The influence of this culture spread throughout the country.
L'influence de cette culture s'est étendue à tout le pays.

Etymology

From the French verb 'étendre', with the reflexive prefix 'se'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

To elaborate on a subject
To discuss a subject in depth.
s'étendre sur un sujet
To stretch out one's legs
To make oneself comfortable by stretching out one's legs.
s'étendre les jambes
To stretch out in length
To develop or stretch out lengthwise.
s'étendre en longueur

Related Words

to extend
The action of lengthening or deploying something.
étendre
extended
That has been lengthened or deployed.
étendu
stretching
The action of extending or lengthening.
étirement

Slang Meanings

Taking time for oneself and relaxing.
After a long week, I need to stretch out.
Après une longue semaine, j'ai besoin de m'étendre.
To lie down on a bed or couch to relax.
I'm just going to lie down and listen to music.
Je vais juste m'étendre et écouter de la musique.