Enlarge Meaning
/ɪnˈlɑːd͡ʒ/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo make (something) larger.
verbTo grow larger.
Sentence Examples
Could you enlarge on your new theory?
He tried to enlarge his sphere of influence.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Using a magnifying glass can help ____ the tiny details in the photo.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The photographer offered to ____ our favorite family photo for a frame.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English enlargen, from Old French enlargier, enlargir. By surface analysis, en- + large.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"O ye Corinthians, our […] heart is enlarged."
— 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, 2 Corinthians 6:11:
"We are then told of the basilisk killing by staring, and of a mous running round a snake till it rushes into the jaws of death. After copying many such anilities, the author adds only, "but our readers will excuse our enlarging.""
— 1819, The Edinburgh Monthly Review, volume 1, page 707:
"I shall enlarge upon the Point."
— 1663 (indicated as 1664), [Samuel Butler], “The Second Part of Hudibras”, in Hudibras. The First and Second Parts. […], London: […] John Martyn and Henry Herringman, […], published 1678, →OCLC; republished in A[lfred] R[ayney] Waller, editor, Hudibras: Written in the Time of the Late Wars, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire: University Press, 1905, →OCLC, page 2:
"He began to enlarge on the nature of the ground."
— 1926, T.E. Lawrence, Seven Pillars of Wisdom, New York: Anchor, published 1991, page 167:
"Like a Lionesse lately enlarged."
— a. 1587, Philippe Sidnei [i.e., Philip Sidney], “(please specify the folio)”, in [Fulke Greville; Matthew Gwinne; John Florio], editors, The Countesse of Pembrokes Arcadia [The New Arcadia], London: […] [John Windet] for William Ponsonbie, published 1590, →OCLC:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Using a magnifying glass can help ____ the tiny details in the photo.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The photographer offered to ____ our favorite family photo for a frame.