I. ə̇n, en+ verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English enlargen, from Middle French enlargier, from Old French, from en- en- (I) + large, adjective — more at large
transitive verb
1.
a. : to make larger : increase in quantity or dimensions : extend in limits : magnify
the body is enlarged by nutrition
enlarging his fortune by speculation
such an experience enlarges your point of view
b. : to reproduce in larger form
enlarge a picture
2.
a. : to increase the capacity of : give free scope or greater scope to : expand
he enlarged his plan as he grew in experience
b. : to dilate especially with joy, affection
his sorrow enlarged her heart
3. : to set at large : set free (as a captive)
4.
a. : to make an extension of (as the time for a legal action)
b. : to extend the time limit of (as a lease, order, rule)
c. : to increase the scope of (an estate) — usually used of a release that operates to convert a life interest or an estate for years into a fee
intransitive verb
1. : to grow large or larger : become more extended : expand
as the city enlarged its slums came down to the river
the embryo gradually enlarges and differentiates
2. : to speak or write at length: as
a. : to present in detail something previously outlined — often used with on or upon
let me enlarge on this basic theme
these gentlemen can enlarge upon the scheme I mentioned
b. : to be diffuse in speech or writing : dilate , expatiate
the preacher enlarged interminably in a dull dry voice
Synonyms: see increase
II. noun
( -s )
archaic : enlargement