Enlargement

/ɪnˈlɑːrdʒmənt/

nounmediumCommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The act or process of making something bigger or more extensive.

/ɪnˈlɑːrdʒmənt/

nounneutralmedium
General

The act or process of making something larger.

The photographer requested an enlargement of the photo to display on the wall.

💡 Simply: Imagine you’re blowing up a balloon—that's an enlargement! It's when something goes from small to big.

👶 For kids: Making something bigger!

More Examples

2

The city planned an enlargement of the park to provide more recreational space.

3

Doctors were concerned about an enlargement of his heart.

How It's Used

Photography

"The photographer ordered an enlargement of the best portrait."

Business

"The company announced an enlargement of its marketing budget."

Anatomy

"The doctor noted an enlargement of the spleen."

2

A thing, especially a photograph or a picture, that has been made larger.

/ɪnˈlɑːrdʒmənt/

nounneutralmedium
General

Something that is enlarged.

The artist displayed an enlargement of a detailed landscape painting.

💡 Simply: It's like a big copy! If you make a photo bigger, that bigger version is the enlargement.

👶 For kids: A bigger copy of something, like a photo.

More Examples

2

She ordered an enlargement of the family photograph to give to her grandmother.

3

The museum has an enlargement of a famous sculpture.

How It's Used

Photography

"She hung an enlargement of the family portrait above the fireplace."

Art

"The gallery featured a series of enlargements of botanical drawings."

Tip:Think of a blown-up image.

Idioms & expressions

by enlargement

Through the process of making something bigger.

"The company expanded its market by enlargement."

From Middle English *enlargement*, from Old French *enlargement*, from *enlargier* ('to enlarge'), from *en-* + *large*.

The term has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to the act of making something larger or the state of being made larger. It later gained common usage in photography and art.

Memory tip

Think of the picture becoming bigger, or an organ growing.

enlargmentinlargement

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written