enlarge
B1Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
To make something bigger in size, scale, or scope.
To give more detail or expand upon a topic or idea; to make a photograph bigger; (legal) to extend a time period.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a transitive verb. Often implies a deliberate, controlled, or physical increase. Can be used literally (physical size) or figuratively (scope, detail).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Slight preference for 'enlarge upon' (UK) vs. 'enlarge on' (US) when meaning 'to elaborate'. 'Blow up' is a common informal alternative for photographs in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more formal in both varieties. In property contexts, 'extend' is often more natural for UK homes.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in both. More common in written, formal, or technical contexts than everyday speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NP ___ NP (transitive)NP ___ on/upon NP (elaborate)NP ___ (intransitive, rare)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “enlarge on/upon (a point)”
- “enlarge one's horizons”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to discuss scaling operations, increasing market share, or expanding budgets. (e.g., 'The plan is to enlarge our presence in Asia.')
Academic
Used to discuss expanding the scope of research, an argument, or a theory. (e.g., 'The second chapter enlarges upon the methodological framework.')
Everyday
Most commonly used for photographs, living spaces, or holes. (e.g., 'I'd like to enlarge this picture of the family.')
Technical
Used in medicine (enlarged organ), photography (enlarger), printing, and engineering.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We need to enlarge the kitchen to fit a proper table.
- Could you enlarge on your last point, Professor?
- The lymph nodes were found to be enlarged.
American English
- We're going to enlarge the patio this summer.
- Let me enlarge on that idea for a moment.
- The doctor said my heart is slightly enlarged.
adverb
British English
- The image can be viewably enlarged on the screen.
- The model was proportionally enlarged.
American English
- The map is digitally enlargeable.
- The plans were subsequently enlarged.
adjective
British English
- The enlarged edition of the dictionary is now available.
- An enlarged prostate can cause difficulties.
American English
- The enlarged print is easier for me to read.
- She reviewed the enlarged version of the document.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I want to enlarge this photo.
- They enlarged their house.
- The company plans to enlarge its factory.
- Can you enlarge the text on the screen? It's too small.
- The author enlarges upon this theme in the subsequent chapter.
- The surgeon needed to enlarge the incision to remove the tumour.
- The new evidence served to enlarge the scope of the inquiry considerably.
- His travels abroad greatly enlarged his understanding of cultural politics.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of putting a photo in a LARGE frame -> you EN-LARGE it.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE IS SIZE / KNOWLEDGE IS A CONTAINER (enlarging one's mind)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation from 'увеличить' for abstract concepts like 'increase salary' – use 'raise' or 'increase'. 'Enlarge' is more physical/visual. Confusion with 'расширить' (widen/broaden) – 'enlarge' is more general.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'enlarge' for numbers or amounts (use 'increase'). Incorrect: 'They enlarged the price.' Correct: 'They increased the price.' Overusing as a direct synonym for 'make bigger' in all contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'enlarge' used correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Enlarge' typically refers to physical size, area, or scope (making something bigger spatially or conceptually). 'Increase' is more general and is used for numbers, amounts, levels, or degrees (increase speed, increase prices, increase happiness).
Rarely. Its primary use is transitive ('enlarge something'). Intransitive use is possible but formal/medical ('The spleen enlarged.') or in the phrase 'enlarge on/upon'.
It means to speak or write about something in greater detail; to elaborate on a topic. It's a formal phrasal verb.
No. 'Biggen' is archaic/poetic, and 'largen' is non-standard. The standard verb is 'enlarge' (or 'make bigger', 'increase', 'expand').