ASL Lessons | Bookstore | Library | ASL University Main ►


ASL: "expand"


The American Sign Language (ASL) sign for "expand" varies according to the specific concept you want to express.  So do not think of there as being a single specific sign for the concept of "expand." 

If you mean expand as in to "elaborate on," "provide context for," "give pertinent details and background regarding," and similar concepts you can use this version:

EXPAND-[give a more elaborate version or account of]

 



If you mean "expand" as in to "become more extensive or larger" in regard to concepts such as "expanding on a vision, dream, cloud, concept, or goal" -- you can use this version:

EXPAND-[become larger or more extensive / to billow]-[upright version]


The above version can also mean "to balloon up," "to swell up," "billow," and similar concepts.
The above version can even be used to indicate "having a vision" (especially if you flutter the fingers a bit during the expansion phase but do NOT keep fluttering them at the end of the sign -- that wouldn't be a vision that would be more like a psychedelic trip* from LSD [*I'm not speaking from experience. Honestly, I'm not.  No, really!]).
 



If you mean "expand" as in to "become more extensive or larger" in regard to things such as cities, construction developments, and stuff that expands horizontally -- you can use this version:

EXPAND-[become larger or more extensive]-[horizontal version]


 



If you mean "expand" as in a "menu list of items," hyponymy, or a "drop down menu" use this version:

EXPAND-[list of sub-items]



 

If you mean "expand" as in dough (or bread) expanding or rising you can depict that with this version:

EXPAND-[as in dough rising]


The above version can also mean "to swell up" when referring to things that were somewhat flat and then became larger (such as a thick crust pizza or a layer of a layer cake).

If you mean "expand" as in "increase," see:  INCREASE
If you mean "expanding waistline" see: FAT
If you mean expanding your skill set see: IMPROVE
If you mean: expand your horizons, see: "LEARN NEW THINGS YOU LIKE?"



 

Notes:
Also see:  PREGNANT

 




*  Want to help support ASL University?  It's easy
DONATE  (Thanks!)

Another way to help is to buy something from Dr. Bill's "Bookstore."


Want even more ASL resources?  Visit the "ASL Training Center!"  (Subscription Extension of ASLU)  

*  Also check out Dr. Bill's channel: www.youtube.com/billvicars
 


You can learn American Sign Language (ASL) online at American Sign Language University ™ 
ASL resources by Lifeprint.com  ©  Dr. William Vicars