aggrandize
|a/gran/dize|
🇺🇸
/əˈɡrænˌdaɪz/
🇬🇧
/əˈɡræn.daɪz/
increase in power or status
Etymology
'aggrandize' originates from French, specifically the word 'agrandir,' where 'a-' meant 'to' and 'grandir' meant 'to make larger.'
'agrandir' transformed into the English word 'aggrandize' through Middle French.
Initially, it meant 'to make larger,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to increase power or status.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to increase the power, status, or wealth of someone or something.
The king sought to aggrandize his empire by conquering neighboring lands.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
to make something appear greater than it is.
The politician aggrandized his achievements during the campaign.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45