Learner's definition of EXTENT
[noncount]
1
: the range, distance, or space that is covered or affected by something or included in something范围；程度 -
She tried to determine the extent of the damage.她试图确定损毁的程度。
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the full extent of human knowledge人类知识的全部
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They underestimated the extent [=size] of the problem.他们低估了问题的严重性。
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He questions the extent to which these remedies are needed.他质疑是不是还需要这些补救办法。
2
: the point or limit to which something extends or reaches限度 -
We reached the southernmost extent [=end] of the peninsula.我们到达了半岛的最南端。
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He swore to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. [=as fully as the law allows]他发誓要最充分地运用法律手段控告他们。
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To what extent [=how far, how much] can they be trusted?他们的可信度有多大？
3
—
used to indicate the degree to which something exists, happens, or is true某事存在、发生或符合实际的）程度 ◊ If you say that something is true to an extent, to some extent, or to a certain extent, you mean that it is partly but not completely true.在某种程度上；在一定程度上
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To an extent, they're both right.在某种程度上，他俩都正确。
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Some critics claim that the government is at fault, and, to a certain extent, that's true.一些批评者声称政府有错，在某种程度上，确实如此。
◊ Something that is true to a large extent or to a great extent is mostly true.在很大程度上
◊ The phrases to the extent that, to that extent, and to a greater/lesser extent are often used to describe the effect or importance of something in relation to something else.在…程度上；到…程度；由于
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To the extent that he encouraged their bad behavior, he's to blame for it. [=he's partly to blame for their bad behavior because he encouraged it]由于他鼓动他们做出不端行为，他也应该为此受责。
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He encouraged their bad behavior, and to that extent he's to blame for it.他鼓动他们做出不端行为，因此他应该受到指责。
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He studied only to the extent that was required to pass the exam. [=he studied just enough to pass the exam]他学习只学到够应付考试的程度。
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This new tax affects the middle class and, to a lesser extent, the rich.这一新税种影响到中产阶层，其次对富人也有一定影响。
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This new tax affects everyone to a greater or lesser extent. [=it affects some people more than it does other people]这一新税种对每个人都有或大或小的影响。
◊ To the extent that or to such an extent that can also be used to say that something is true to a very extreme degree.如此…以至…
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He was fearful to the extent that he refused to leave his house. [=he was so fearful that he refused to leave his house]他吓得拒绝离开他的房子。
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She has changed to such an extent that you wouldn't recognize her.她的变化太大了，你会认不出她的。