enˈlargement: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to Formal
Quick answer
What does “enˈlargement” mean?
The act or result of making something bigger in size or scale.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act or result of making something bigger in size or scale.
A photograph that has been printed larger than the original negative; a discourse or explanation that adds more detail; in medicine, the abnormal increase in size of an organ or body part.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. Spelling is consistent. Usage frequency is similar across domains.
Connotations
In political contexts (e.g., EU enlargement), carries the same neutral-to-positive connotation of growth and inclusion in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English in medical contexts (e.g., 'prostate enlargement').
Grammar
How to Use “enˈlargement” in a Sentence
enlargement of [NOUN PHRASE]enlargement in [NOUN PHRASE]enlargement to [NOUN PHRASE] (for organizations)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “enˈlargement” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to enlarge the kitchen before we can fit a new table.
- The surgeon decided to enlarge the incision slightly.
American English
- They plan to enlarge the parking lot next summer.
- Reading travel blogs enlarges my understanding of different cultures.
adverb
British English
- The map was enlargedly displayed on the wall for all to see. (Rare/archaic)
American English
- The image was not sufficiently enlargedly printed to be legible. (Rare/archaic)
adjective
British English
- The enlarged committee will now have fifteen members.
- She brought the enlarged photograph to show the details.
American English
- The enlarged blueprint revealed previously unseen design flaws.
- He has an enlarged heart, which requires medication.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to expanding market share, premises, or workforce. 'The company financed the enlargement of its warehouse.'
Academic
Used in political science (e.g., NATO enlargement), biology, and medicine. 'The paper critiques the geopolitical implications of eastern enlargement.'
Everyday
Most commonly refers to making a photo bigger. 'I'd like an enlargement of this picture for the frame.'
Technical
In engineering: increasing dimensions; in medicine: pathological growth of tissue. 'The ultrasound showed a slight enlargement of the spleen.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “enˈlargement”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “enˈlargement”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “enˈlargement”
- Using 'enlargement' as a verb (incorrect: *'I will enlargement the photo'; correct: 'I will have an enlargement made').
- Using uncountable form for a specific instance (less common: 'He showed me enlargement of his liver'; better: 'He showed me an enlargement...').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are close synonyms. 'Enlargement' often implies making a single entity bigger (photo, organ), while 'expansion' can imply spreading out or increasing scope (business, empire). 'EU enlargement' is a fixed phrase.
Yes, particularly in medical contexts (e.g., 'heart enlargement' can indicate disease) or in political contexts where growth is viewed as threatening by some.
It's grammatically possible but imprecise. 'Significant', 'substantial', or 'massive enlargement' are more natural collocations.
The verb is 'to enlarge'. It is common and neutral in register (e.g., 'enlarge a photo', 'enlarge one's knowledge').
The act or result of making something bigger in size or scale.
Enˈlargement is usually neutral to formal in register.
Enˈlargement: in British English it is pronounced /ɪnˈlɑːdʒmənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪnˈlɑːrdʒmənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “An enlargement on the theme (a more detailed discussion).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LARGE picture being put INTO a new frame → EN-LARGE-MENT.
Conceptual Metaphor
GROWTH IS UP/OUT (enlargement pushes boundaries outward). IMPORTANCE IS SIZE (an 'enlargement' on a topic makes it bigger/more significant).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'enlargement' LEAST likely to be used?