enlarge - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
enlarge Word Meanings
- to make something bigger
- to expand in size
- to increase in amount or intensity
enlarge Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
enlarge Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪnˈlɑːdʒ/
US
/ɪnˈlɑrdʒ/
enlarge Word Etymology
en- = to cause to be, large = big. Origin: Latin → Old French → English. Picture a magnifying glass making an image bigger, representing the act of enlarging.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Enlarge is a versatile verb used when you want to make something bigger, either in physical size, in extent, or in intensity. You can enlarge a photo by changing its scale, or you can enlarge a space, an idea, or a problem's scope. When talking about quantity, you might say increase or expand depending on context. Collocations include enlarge, enlarge the image, enlarge the size, enlarge the scope, or enlarge a font. The word carries a sense of intentional growth, often measured or planned, rather than spontaneous. Remember the related nouns enlargement and enlarger (a device) though in common use we simply enlarge.
Usage Reminders
- Enlarge can mean both size and scope.
- Use enlarge for visual or measurable growth.
- For abstract growth, prefer increase or expand.
- Enlargement is the noun; enlarger is a device.
- Avoid confusing with increase when the object is concrete (image, map).
Common Misconceptions
- Enlarge is never used for any kind of size increase
- Enlarge and increase are always interchangeable
- Enlargement always refers to digital or photo size
- Enlarger is a verb
- You should always use enlarge when talking about growth in numbers
Thinking Differences
In English, enlarge covers both physical size and scope, but awareness varies by object. Learners often use enlarge with abstract ideas where expand or increase sounds better, and they may confuse enlarger (a device) with the verb enlarge.
Learning Tips
- Learn the two core senses: size/visual and scope/extent.
- Pair enlarge with concrete visuals (enlarge the photo) and with abstract ideas (expand the scope).
- Differentiate enlarge from increase (numbers) and expand (range or capacity).
- Remember enlargement as noun and enlarger as a device.
- Practice common collocations: enlarge the image, enlarge the font, enlarge the map.
- Check context: if you can replace with 'increase' or 'expand' without sounding odd, pick those.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'enlarge'?
A.Expand
B.Reduce
C.Shrink
D.Erase
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'enlarge' correctly?
A.She hopes to diminish her collection of books.
B.He plans to enlarge his business operations.
C.The artist will shrink the painting for the exhibition.
D.They decided to erase the plans for the new building.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym of 'enlarge'?
A.Decrease
B.Narrow
C.Grow
D.Diminish
Step 4: Opposite Words
In what situation would you need to enlarge a photo?
A.To make it smaller
B.To make it clearer
C.To enhance the details
D.To reduce the quality
Step 5: Mastery
How would you use 'enlarge' in a real-life context?
A.He asked the architect to enlarge the kitchen area.
B.She decided to erase the plan and start over.
C.I need to shrink the room for more space.
D.They diminished the font size for better readability.
Related Listening
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