First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
enlarge
verb en·large \in-ˈlärj, en-\
: to make (something) larger or to become larger
en·largeden·larg·ing
Full Definition of ENLARGE
transitive verb
1
: to make larger : extend <enlarged the family fortune with new investments>
2
: to give greater scope to : expand <education may enlarge one's view of the world>
3
: to set free (as a captive)
intransitive verb
1
: to grow larger
2
: to speak or write at length : elaborate <let me enlarge upon that point>
— en·large·able \-ˈlär-jə-bəl\ adjective
— en·larg·er noun
See enlarge defined for English-language learners
See enlarge defined for kids
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Origin of ENLARGE
Middle English, from Anglo-French enlarger, enlargir, from en- + large broad, large
Related to ENLARGE
Synonym Discussion of ENLARGE
increase, enlarge, augment, multiply mean to make or become greater. increase used intransitively implies progressive growth in size, amount, or intensity <his waistline increased with age>; used transitively it may imply simple not necessarily progressive addition <increased her landholdings>. enlarge implies expansion or extension that makes greater in size or capacity <enlarged the kitchen>. augment implies addition to what is already well grown or well developed <the inheritance augmented his fortune>. multiply implies increase in number by natural generation or by indefinite repetition of a process <with each attempt the problems multiplied>.
Rhymes with ENLARGE
ENLARGEABLE Defined for Kids
enlarge
verb en·large \in-ˈlärj\
en·largeden·larg·ing
Definition of ENLARGE for Kids
: to make or grow larger : expand
Medical Dictionary
enlarge
verb en·large \in-ˈlärj\
en·largeden·larg·ing
Medical Definition of ENLARGE
transitive verb
: to make larger
intransitive verb
: to grow larger
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