coextensive
UK[ˌkəʊɪkˈstensɪv]US[ˌkoʊɪkˈstensɪv]
adj
Having the same spatial or temporal limits or scope; extending equally over the same area or period.
adj
(Logic/Mathematics) Having exactly the same extension; applying to exactly the same set of objects.
Morpheme Breakdown
co
extensive
co
together
extensive
spreading far
Etymology
The word 'coextensive' is a modern English formation built from classical components. It combines the Latin prefix 'co-' (together) with the adjective 'extensive', which itself derives from the Latin verb 'extendere', meaning 'to stretch out'. The literal, morpheme-by-morpheme construction yields 'stretched out together'. This elegantly captures the core meaning: two or more things that are stretched out to the exact same limits, sharing identical boundaries in space, time, or logical application. The term is primarily used in technical fields like geometry, logic, and philosophy to denote perfect congruence in scope or domain.
Analysis
Structure: co (together) + extensive (spreading far)
- co: A prefix from Latin 'com-', meaning 'together', 'with', or 'jointly'. It assimilates to 'co-' before vowels and 'h'.
- extensive: An adjective from Medieval Latin 'extensivus', from Latin 'extendere' (to stretch out). The morpheme 'ex-' means 'out' and 'tendere' means 'to stretch'. The suffix '-ive' forms adjectives meaning 'having the nature of'.
Examples
The jurisdiction of the city council is coextensive with the city's administrative boundaries.
In his view, the realm of the morally permissible is coextensive with the realm of the legally permissible.
The two concepts are not coextensive; one is a broader category that encompasses the other.