Sometimes suppliers do not extend credit, but instead require payment up front.
Which of the following defines "extend" as it is used in the sentence above?

Question

Sometimes suppliers do not extend credit, but instead require payment up front. 
Which of the following defines "extend" as it is used in the sentence above?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The context of the sentence tells us that while some suppliers will "extend" credit, others will require you to pay up front. The comparison of these two scenarios shows that if someone "extends you credit," they are not requiring you to pay up front, which means they are lending you the money to make the purchase.
To continue in space or time is incorrect. One of the meanings of extend is "to continue in space or time." (e.g. The road extends beyond the horizon.) However, from the context of the target sentence, we can conclude that the word is not used that way here.
To affect or include somebody or something is incorrect. One of the meanings of extend is "to affect or include somebody or something." (e.g. The law extends only to minors under the age of eighteen.) However, from the context of the target sentence, we can conclude that the word is not used that way here.
To express an opinion in detail is incorrect. When placed in the context of the target sentence, this answer choice does not make sense. Therefore, it cannot be a correct answer choice.

Sometimes Suppliers Do Not Extend Credit, but Instead Require Payment Up