aggrandize

[ ag-ruhn-dahyz ]

Part of Speech verb

Origin + Etymology

Mid 17th century; Latin from French agrandiss-, lengthened stem of agrandir, probably from Italian aggrandire, from Latin grandis ‘large’. The ending was changed by association with verbs ending in -ize

Synonyms

boost
enlarge
expand
extend
heighten
increase
magnify

acclaim
dignify
ennoble
glorify
honor

Antonyms

condense
contract
decrease
lessen
redice
shorten
shrink

condemn
degrade
disapprove
disgrace
humiliate
shame
weaken

Definition

1. to make something appear greater

2. increase the power, status, or wealth of

Examples

1. A) You can aggrandize an object by looking at it under a magnifying glass. B) That particular mirror aggrandizes whatever is in its reflection.

2. A) His business efforts were all to aggrandize his family dynasty. B) The king would stop at nothing to aggrandize his rule.

Usage Over Time

#uncommon

Usage Over Time

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foible

[ foi-buhl ]

a minor weakness or failing of character; slight flaw or defect

obdurate

[ ob-doo-rit ]

unmoved by persuasion, pity, or tender feelings; stubborn; unyielding

fulminate

[ fuhl-muh-neyt ]

to explode with a loud noise; detonate

abysmal

[ uh-biz-muhl ]

very deep

anaphora

[ uh-naf-er-uh ]

the use of a word referring to or replacing a word used earlier in a sentence, to avoid repetition, such as "I like it and so do they"

eloquent

[ el-uh-kwuhnt ]

having or exercising the power of fluent, forceful, and appropriate speech

badinage

[ bad-n-ahzh ]

light, playful banter or raillery

cognizable

[ kog-nuh-zuh-buhl ]

capable of being judicially heard and determined

cavalier

[ kav-uh-leer ]

haughty, disdainful, or supercilious