Word
enlarge
Phoneticsen·large, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɛnˈɫɑɹdʒ/
UK/ɛnlˈɑːdʒ/
Definition
v. to make something bigger or to increase its size. You often use this when talking about photos or physical spaces.
v. to make something larger in size, volume, or scope. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Examples
“I want to enlarge this photo to hang on my wall.”
“The company plans to enlarge its warehouse to accommodate the increase in holiday orders.”
“The architect suggested we enlarge the windows to allow more natural light into the living area, creating a sense of openness throughout the ground floor.”
Examples
simple
“I want to enlarge this photo to hang on my wall.”
contextual
“The company plans to enlarge its warehouse to accommodate the increase in holiday orders.”
complex
“The architect suggested we enlarge the windows to allow more natural light into the living area, creating a sense of openness throughout the ground floor.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“It is not actually by him but an enlarged copy by a scene painter of his small intense 1922 original Two Women Running on the Beach.” “The Green leader has previously come under fire for telling a journalist in 2013 he could enlarge women’s breasts with hypnotherapy – comments he has since said he regrets.” Etymology
From Middle English enlargen, from Old French enlargier, enlargir. By surface analysis, en- + large.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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