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enlarge
/ɪnˈlɑːrdʒ/
make something bigger
The company decided to enlarge its office space to accommodate more employees.
The company chose to make its office space bigger to fit more workers.
formal
to make or become larger in size or extent
The photographer enlarged the image to print it as a poster.
The photographer made the image physically bigger to create a poster.
The city council voted to enlarge the park by adding new facilities.
The city council approved expanding the park to include more amenities.
Often used in contexts involving physical size, digital media, or abstract expansion (e.g., influence, knowledge).
formal
to speak or write at greater length about a topic
The professor enlarged upon the theory during the lecture.
The professor discussed the theory in more detail during the lecture.
Less common than the physical meaning; typically used in academic or formal writing.
Collocations
enlarge on/uponto provide more details about a subjectenlarge a photographto make a photo bigger for printing or displayenlarge one's knowledgeto increase understanding or learning
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Mistakes
Do not confuse 'enlarge' with 'elongate'—'enlarge' implies growth in size or extent, while 'elongate' specifically means to make longer in shape. For example, 'enlarge a photo' (correct) vs. 'elongate a photo' (incorrect unless referring to distortion).
Gold Rule
When to Use 'Enlarge'
Use 'enlarge' when the growth is in size, extent, or detail. For abstract concepts like influence or knowledge, 'expand' or 'increase' may be more natural (e.g., 'expand one's influence' vs. 'enlarge one's influence').
Word Origin
From Middle English enlargen, from Old French enlargir (modern French élargir), from en- (prefix meaning 'make') + large (meaning 'wide or broad'). The verb form emerged in the 14th century.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in both literal (physical size) and figurative (abstract growth) contexts. In photography, 'enlarge' specifically refers to printing a photo at a larger size. Avoid confusing with 'elongate' (to make longer in shape) or 'augment' (to increase in value).
Word Breakdown
en-
prefix meaning 'to make'
prefixlarge
adjective meaning 'big or wide'
rootEnglish Dictionary