enlargements
|en-large-ments|
🇺🇸
/ɪnˈlɑrdʒmənts/
🇬🇧
/ɪnˈlɑːdʒmənts/
(enlargement)
making or becoming larger
Etymology
'enlargement' originates from the verb 'enlarge' combined with the nominalizing suffix '-ment'. 'Enlarge' comes from Old French en- + 'large' (from Latin 'largus'), where the prefix 'en-' meant 'in, into' and the root 'large' (Latin 'largus') meant 'abundant, generous'.
'Enlarge' appeared in Middle English as forms like 'enlargen' or 'enlargeten' (influenced by Old French), and the noun-forming suffix '-ment' (from Old French/Latin) produced Middle English 'enlargement', which evolved into modern English 'enlargement'.
Initially related to the idea of making something ample or abundant (from Latin 'largus'), it came to mean specifically 'to make larger' and the noun to mean 'the act or result of making larger' in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'enlargement': acts or instances of making something larger or becoming larger.
The city approved several enlargements of the park this year, adding new playgrounds and walking paths.
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Noun 2
plural of 'enlargement': enlarged versions or reproductions of images or photographs (prints made larger than the original negative or file).
She kept several enlargements of family photos on the wall.
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Noun 3
plural of 'enlargement': an increase in scope, number, or importance (e.g., enlargements of a company's operations).
The enlargements of the program required additional staff and funding.
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Last updated: 2025/10/19 05:15