What does it mean to "expand" in general terms?

To "expand" generally means to make something larger or more extensive. This concept can apply to various contexts, including physical, conceptual, or abstract scenarios. For instance, expanding a business might involve increasing the number of locations or services offered, while expanding one's knowledge could refer to acquiring more information and understanding in a particular field. The core idea behind expansion is growth or an increase in size, capacity, or scope.

In contrast, the other choices introduce opposing concepts or unrelated actions. For example, restricting in size or volume signifies a reduction, which is the opposite of expanding. Simplifying a complex idea involves reducing rather than expanding its complexity, and demoting someone to a lower rank denotes a loss of status, not an increase or enlargement. Thus, making something larger or more extensive captures the essence of what it means to expand effectively.