Aggrandize
əˈɡrændaɪz
Definitions
To increase the power, status, or wealth of; to make greater or more important.
əˈɡrændaɪz
To increase the power, status, or wealth of something or someone.
The king used propaganda to aggrandize his image.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to make your lemonade stand the most popular on the block. You're trying to *aggrandize* it! You might add more fancy signs, offer different flavors, and maybe even hire some friends to help. You're making it bigger and better!
👶 For kids: Making something or someone seem bigger and better, like making a small toy look super cool!
More Examples
The corporation sought to aggrandize its influence in the industry.
She enjoyed hearing stories that aggrandized her family's history.
How It's Used
"The dictator sought to aggrandize his own power through military expansion."
"The company attempted to aggrandize its market share through aggressive advertising."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
Aggrandize oneself
To make oneself seem more important, powerful, or wealthy, often at the expense of others.
"He tried to aggrandize himself by taking credit for his colleague's work."
From French *agrandir* (“to enlarge, increase”), from *a-* + *grand* (“great, large”).
Used since the late 16th century, often in the context of political ambitions and expanding power.
Memory tip
Think 'grand,' making something more grand (powerful).