aggrandizement
|a-gran-diz-ment|
/əˈɡræn.dɪz.mənt/
increase in power or wealth
Etymology
'aggrandizement' originates from English formation 'aggrandize' + suffix '-ment', where 'aggrandize' was formed from the verb 'aggrandize' meaning 'make greater'.
'aggrandize' changed from French 'agrandir' (Old French 'agrandir', 'to enlarge') and forms like Italian 'aggrandire', ultimately influenced by Latin 'grandis' meaning 'large' or 'great', and developed into the English 'aggrandize' and then 'aggrandizement'.
Initially it meant 'to make large or greater' in a physical or general sense, but over time it evolved to commonly mean 'to increase power, wealth, or reputation' and often carries a negative sense of exaggeration or self-promotion.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act or process of making something greater in power, status, or wealth; enlargement or increase.
The ruler's aggrandizement of his realm alarmed neighboring states.
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Noun 2
the act of making someone or oneself appear more important or powerful, often by exaggeration or manipulation (often used with negative connotation, e.g., 'self-aggrandizement').
His constant self-promotion bordered on self-aggrandizement.
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Last updated: 2025/11/28 15:39