Ekstensiivne

Ekstensiivne is an Estonian adjective meaning extensive or broad in scope. It describes phenomena, processes, or approaches that cover a large extent in space or time, rather than focusing intensely on a small part. In contrast to a more intensive approach, which emphasizes depth, ekstensiivne emphasizes breadth and overall reach.

The word is a loanword from English extensive, adapted to Estonian with the standard ending -ivne. It is used across disciplines to signal wide reach or scale, such as geographical extent, long duration, or large production areas.

Common contexts include ekstensiivne lugemine in language education, referring to reading that covers large amounts of material with relatively less emphasis on detailed analysis. In agriculture and land use, ekstensiivne põllumajandus describes methods and expansion that rely on large areas or lower input intensity. In research and policy, ekstensiivne approaches may be contrasted with more intensive approaches that aim for concentrated effort or rapid results.

Related terms include intensive.