See Also: Enlarge(medicine)
enlarge(dictionary)
enlarge(dictionary)

enlarge (iou)



enlarge verb. Also inlarge. ME.
[Old French enlarger, -ir, formed as EN-1 + large LARGE adjective. In branch II after Old French eslargir (mod. elargir) set free.]
I.
verb trans. Make larger or wider; increase the size or extent of. Also (now rare) intensify, increase. ME.
D. Cecil The party..was enlarged by a steady stream of friends and neighbours. refl.: Shakespeare 1 Henry VI Glory is like a circle in the water, Which never ceaseth to enlarge itself.
b. verb trans. Increase (esp. a person's thoughts or feelings) in range or scope; make more comprehensive. M16.
C. Lamb His fine suite of rooms..were enough to enlarge a man's notions of himself.
c. verb trans. Make appear larger; exaggerate. L16-M18.
d. verb trans. Law. Extend (the time allowed for an action). M17.
e. verb trans. & intrans. Photography. Reproduce on a larger scale. M19.
verb intrans. Become larger, wider, or more comprehensive; expand, increase. L15.
B. Jowett As our knowledge increases, our perception of the mind enlarges.
b. Become stronger or more violent. E17-M18.
a. verb intrans. & refl. Speak or write in more detail; expatiate. Usu. foll. by on, upon. E17.
B. Pym She had not enlarged on this bald statement.
b. verb intrans. Foll. by on: add to (a plan); amplify (a hint). E18-E19.
II.
verb trans. Set free, release. arch. LME.
III.
verb trans. & intrans. Give generously to or to; endow generously with gifts. L15-M17.
Phrases: enlarge an estate Law convert an estate from a tenancy or leasehold to a freehold. enlarge the heart make a person's heart swell with gratitude or pride; increase a person's sympathies.
enlarger noun a person who or thing which enlarges; spec. an apparatus for producing photographic enlargements M16.