enlarge

[ en-lahrj ]

verb (used with object)

, en·larged, en·larg·ing.

1. to make larger; increase in extent, bulk, or quantity; add to:

   They enlarged the house by adding an east wing.

   Synonyms: dilate, amplify, magnify, extend

   Antonyms: diminish

2. to increase the capacity or scope of; expand:

   We've decided to enlarge the company.

   Antonyms: contract

3. to make (a photographic print) larger than the negative by projecting the negative's image through a lens onto photographic printing paper.

verb (used without object)

, en·larged, en·larg·ing.

1. to grow larger; increase; expand.
2. to speak or write at large; expatiate:

   to enlarge upon a point.

enlarge

/ ɪnˈlɑːdʒ /

verb

1. to make or grow larger in size, scope, etc; increase or expand
2. tr to make (a photographic print) of a larger size than the negative
3. intr; foll by on or upon to speak or write (about) in greater detail; expatiate (on)

Derived Forms

• enˈlargeable, adjective

Other Words From

• en·largea·ble adjective
• en·larg·ed·ly [en-, lahr, -jid-lee, -, lahrjd, -], adverb
• en·larged·ness noun
• en·larging·ly adverb
• preen·large verb (used with object) preenlarged preenlarging
• reen·large verb reenlarged reenlarging
• unen·larged adjective
• unen·larging adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of enlarge¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English enlargen, from Old French enlargir, enlarger. See en- ¹, large

Example Sentences

“We’re entering a time when the pie is not going to enlarge as rapidly … a time when there is going to be heightened group conflict.”

From Salon

As part of Roberts’ plan to rebel against the uni-party, he called on the incoming administration to fully embrace and enlarge the military-industrial complex.

From Salon

“We have enlarged the right to a home, but we didn't enlarge the supply of homes necessary to make that a reality. Rights that exist only on paper are of very little value.”

From BBC

“Due to the continued movement of the landslide, the ground movement features have continued to enlarge, expand, widen, or grow depending on the type of feature and location.”

From Los Angeles Times

This fat accumulation can enlarge the liver and interfere with its normal functioning.

From Salon

Related Words

• add to
• augment
• boost
• broaden
• build
• develop
• expand
• extend
• grow
• inflate
• lengthen
• magnify
• multiply
• swell
• widen