Enlarge
/ɪnˈlɑːrdʒ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo make or become larger in size, volume, or extent.
/ɪnˈlɑːrdʒ/
To make something bigger
They decided to enlarge the garden to create more space for vegetables.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're taking a picture on your phone, and then you pinch to zoom in. That's like enlarging something! You're making it bigger so you can see more details. For instance, you might enlarge a photo of your friend's face to see if they're smiling.
👶 For kids: To make something bigger, like when you stretch a rubber band.
More Examples
The company is hoping to enlarge its customer base through online advertising.
The artist enlarged the drawing to be used as a poster.
How It's Used
"The photographer enlarged the picture to show more detail."
"The company plans to enlarge its market share by expanding into new territories."
"The doctor noticed an enlarged lymph node during the examination."
To make something greater, more complete, or more detailed.
/ɪnˈlɑːrdʒ/
To expand in detail or scope
The speaker enlarged on his argument to clarify his position.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're telling a story. Instead of just saying a quick sentence, you add lots of details to make it more interesting and complete. That’s like enlarging the story. For example, you might enlarge upon what you did over the summer by adding more details.
👶 For kids: To make something bigger by adding more to it.
More Examples
The lawyer enlarged upon the evidence to support his client's case.
The company chose to enlarge upon its mission statement to appeal to a wider range of potential clients.
How It's Used
"The author enlarged upon the reasons for the conflict in the sequel."
"The judge enlarged the scope of the investigation to include the financial records."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
Enlarge on
To discuss something in more detail.
"The professor enlarged on the history of the French Revolution."
From Middle English *enlargen*, from Old French *enlargier* (to make wide), from *en-* (in, into) + *large* (large).
Historically used to describe physical expansion and increasing of detail in writing and speech.
Memory tip
Think of a magnifying glass – it enlarges the image.