Meaning & use
enlarge
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Meanings
verbtransitive or intransitive
To make something bigger in size, quantity, or range.
Grammar: Takes an object: enlarge the garden; or no object: the pupils enlarge in the dark.
Patterns
- enlarge something
- enlarge something to something
They decided to enlarge the kitchen by removing a wall.
The company plans to enlarge its range of products next year.
In the dark, your pupils enlarge to let in more light.
verbtransitive
To print or display a copy of a photo or image at a greater size.
Grammar: Takes an object: enlarge the photo.
Patterns
- enlarge a photo
I asked the shop to enlarge the wedding photo for the wall.
You can enlarge the map on screen by pinching with two fingers.
She had the old snapshot enlarged to poster size.
verbintransitiveformal
To speak or write in more detail about a subject.
Grammar: Used with on: enlarge on a point.
Patterns
- enlarge on something
Could you enlarge on your reasons for leaving?
The speaker declined to enlarge on the rumors.
She enlarged on her plan after lunch.
Word forms
| third person singular | enlarges |
|---|---|
| past tense | enlarged |
| past participle | enlarged |
| -ing form | enlarging |
Common combinations
- enlarge a photo
- We enlarged the photo to fit the frame.
- enlarge the scope
- The committee enlarged the scope of the study.
- enlarge on
- He chose not to enlarge on his answer.
- enlarged heart
- The doctor found an enlarged heart on the scan.
- click to enlarge
- Click to enlarge the picture.
Synonyms and how they differ
- expand
- Expand can mean growing outward or in number, while enlarge focuses on making something bigger in size.
- magnify
- Magnify makes something look bigger with a lens, whereas enlarge can make it actually bigger.
- extend
- Extend adds length or time, while enlarge adds overall size.
- increase
- Increase works for any amount, while enlarge sounds more physical.
Opposites
Word family
- enlargement noun
- a larger copy or the act of growing larger
- enlarger noun
- a device for making larger photo prints
- large adjective
- big in size
- enlarged adjective
- made bigger than normal
Commonly confused: enlarge or inlarge?
enlarge vs inlarge
This is a misspelling; the correct form begins with en-.
Practice
The architect plans to ___ the library by adding a second floor.
Choose one answer.
Adding a floor makes the library bigger, so enlarge fits. The other verbs mean making smaller.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “enlarge”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.