extendíamos

Extendíamos is the first-person plural imperfect indicative form of the Spanish verb extender (to extend, to spread, to stretch). It is used to describe ongoing or habitual actions in the past, or to set background in narrative or descriptive contexts. The form can refer to physical extension (extending a map, a line, or a hand) as well as more abstract extension (influence, reach, or area).

Etymology and morphology: extender comes from the Latin extendere, built from ex- “out” and tendere “to stretch.” The imperfect ending -íamos marks the first-person plural, indicating imperfect aspect. The accent on í signals the stressed syllable in this conjugation.

Usage notes: Extendíamos appears in both narrative and expository styles to convey actions that were in progress or regularly occurred in the past. It is commonly found in historical accounts, literary prose, or personal recollections. It can take a direct object (e.g., extendíamos la mano) or function with more abstract complements (extendíamos nuestra influencia).

Examples in context:

- Extendíamos la cuerda hasta cubrir todo el perímetro.

- Extendíamos la red para abrazar un área mayor.

Related forms: other imperfect forms of extender include extendía, extendías, extendía, extendíamos, extendíais, extendían. Similar verbs with related meanings include alargar, prolongar, and expandir, which express related notions of increasing length or scope, but with nuanced usage differences.

See also: extender, extensión, extensor, extensión territorial.