Extensiv

Extensiv is an adjective found in several European languages, used to denote something that is extensive or broad in scope. In English-language technical writing, the more common form is extensive, while extensiv remains visible mainly as a loanword or domain-specific term in fields such as agriculture, ecology, and regional planning. The term is related to the Latin root extensus, which conveys the idea of being stretched out or spread over a large area.

Across languages, the form extensiv (or closely related variants in Romanian, German, and other tongues) appears in contexts that describe systems, practices, or phenomena that cover large geographical areas or rely on low intensity per unit of space or effort. This contrasts with intensive forms, which emphasize high input, high yield, or concentrated management in smaller areas.

In agricultural and ecological usage, extensiv describes farming or land-use systems that require relatively low inputs per unit area and operate over large tracts of land. Examples include extensive grazing, certain types of pastoral or rain-fed farming, and landscape-scale conservation approaches. These systems are typically contrasted with intensive methods, which maximize output through higher inputs, technology, and tighter management.

Outside agriculture and ecology, extensiv may appear in linguistic or technical discussions to discuss scope, coverage, or reach, albeit less commonly. In such uses, it retains the core sense of breadth or expansiveness.

See also: extensive farming, intensive farming, land-use systems, ecological management.