V213: Extant vs. Extent – What’s the Difference?

“I’m an extant gown with a skirt of great extent”

In the historical costuming world, we talk and write a lot about original garments.  It’s important to get the right terminology when referring to periods of dress, or parts of garments.  One of the most common terms, but also one of the most common terminology mistakes, is the word “extant.”  “Extant, extent, what’s the difference?”

A big one…

Extant – (adjective)
1. in existence; still existing; not destroyed or lost
2. Archaic. standing out; protruding.




Extent – (noun)
1. the space or degree to which a thing extends; length, area, volume, or scope.
2. something extended, as a space; a particular length, area, or volume; something having extension.

These definitions come from Dictionary.com, which also has a handy audio pronunciation to listen to.

So now you know! Don’t get caught using the wrong words!