enlarge
gb/ɪnlˈɑɹd͡ʒ/ us/ɪnlˈɑɹd͡ʒ/
A2
English
~ 2500
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A2
action
1
Make something larger
To make something bigger.
Usage pattern:
to enlarge [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'enlarge' with 'lengthen' or 'widen', which refer to specific dimensions rather than overall size.
Synonyms
expand (Often suggests becoming larger in area or scope, not just physical dimensions.)
|
magnify (Often used for optical enlargement or making details appear bigger.)
Antonyms
shrink (Means to make something smaller in size.)
|
reduce (General term for making something smaller or less in amount.)
Collocations
enlarge a photo
|enlarge an image
|enlarge the text
|enlarge a map
|enlarge the picture
Themes
daily life
|design
|photography
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- You can enlarge the photo by clicking on it.
- The company plans to enlarge its offices next year.
- He used software to enlarge the font size for easier reading.
- They decided to enlarge the kitchen during the renovation.
- Please enlarge this diagram so everyone can see it clearly.
Learner examples
- I want to enlarge the picture.
- He will enlarge the small photo.
- Please enlarge the words on the screen.
- We can enlarge the room.
- They will enlarge the map.
Verb
formal
B2
action
2
Increase scope or extent
To make something have more range, power, or importance.
Usage pattern:
to enlarge [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this meaning with physical size increase; context often clarifies it is about scope.
Synonyms
extend (Often used for duration, range, or coverage.)
|
broaden (Suggests making something wider in scope or variety.)
Antonyms
narrow (To make something smaller in scope or range.)
Collocations
enlarge one's influence
|enlarge the scope
|enlarge a project
Themes
business
|politics
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The treaty aims to enlarge cooperation between the countries.
- She worked hard to enlarge her role in the organization.
- The program was enlarged to include rural areas.
Learner examples
- They want to enlarge the project.
- We will enlarge our work area.
- The group will enlarge its activities.
Verb
technical
B1
action
3
Make a larger photo print
To make a bigger copy of a photo from film or digital image.
Usage pattern:
to enlarge [a photo/image/negative]
Synonyms
blow up (Informal term for enlarging a photograph.)
Collocations
enlarge a photograph
|enlarge from a negative
Themes
photography
|printing
|arts_entertainment
|technology
Examples
- The photographer decided to enlarge the portrait for display.
- We can enlarge your old negatives into poster-sized prints.
- She asked the studio to enlarge her wedding photo.
Learner examples
- Please enlarge this photo for me.
- He will enlarge the picture for the wall.
- They can enlarge the old photo.
Grammar
Dictionary form
enlarge
IPA
GB/ɪnlˈɑɹd͡ʒ/
US/ɪnlˈɑɹd͡ʒ/
Syllables & stress
en - large (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (large)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: enlarge
- 3rd Person Singular: enlarges
- Present Participle: enlarging
- Past: enlarged
Word family
Forms
enlarges
verb
enlarging
verb
enlarged
verb
Core family
large
adjective A1
enlargement
noun B2
Related words
largely
adverb B1
Expressions
enlarge on
1/ɪnlˈɑɹd͡ʒ ˈɔn/
phrasal verb
formal
Give more details about something
To talk or write more about a subject that was mentioned before.
Examples
- The speaker promised to enlarge on this point later in his talk.
- In her report, she enlarged on the challenges faced by small businesses.