aggrandizement

especially British, ag·gran·dise·ment

[uh-gran-diz-muhnt]

noun

1. an act or instance of aggrandizing, or increasing in size, or intensity.

   aggrandizement of mercantile trade in the early colonies.

2. the act of making something appear greater than is actually warranted by the facts.

   Some saw it as ego aggrandizement.

3. expansion of power, wealth, rank, or honor.

   The department was used for the aggrandizement of its leaders.

Word History and Origins

Origin of aggrandizement¹

1655–1665; aggrandize ( def. ) + -ment, influenced by French agrandissement, aggrandissement

Example Sentences

Suffice it to say that in the Trump swamp, Warren’s pitch for protections against Musk’s personal aggrandizement wasn’t taken seriously.

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Ego and corrupt special interests motivated some presidents, but the best put aside personal aggrandizement and plutocratic backers to strive for the common good in a diverse and dynamic nation.

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“Nor does Congress have the power to serve subpoenas ‘for the personal aggrandizement of the investigators or to punish those investigated.’”

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Who can criticize a Black man’s politics and aggrandizement.

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Sen. Patty Murray is the kind of politician who can be trusted to use her seniority for productive work, not personal aggrandizement or self-promotion.

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When To Use

What does aggrandizement mean?

Aggrandizement refers to the act of making something larger or greater. It specifically refers to inflating something or making someone appear more important or powerful than they really are.This word is often seen in self-aggrandizement, or “the act of making oneself more important, powerful, or wealthy.” Aggrandizement is spelled with an S, aggrandisement, in British English.Example: Concerned about the unintended aggrandizement of her accomplishments, the philanthropist did not conduct interviews about her work.