enlargement

[en-lahrj-muhnt]

noun

1. an act of enlarging; increase, expansion, or amplification.

2. anything, as a photograph, that is an enlarged form of something.

3. anything that enlarges something else; addition.

   The new wing formed a considerable enlargement to the building.

Other Word Forms

• preenlargement noun
• proenlargement adjective
• reenlargement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of enlargement¹

First recorded in 1530–40; enlarge + -ment

Example Sentences

The European commissioner for enlargement, Marta Kos, criticised the bill's adoption.

From BBC

He welcomed comments made by Trump's envoy to Ukraine, retired Gen Keith Kellogg, who described Russian concerns over Nato enlargement as "fair".

From BBC

Biden had previously been diagnosed with benign enlargement of the prostate.

From BBC

But the enlargement of life itself is profound.

From Los Angeles Times

What America really needs are open markets, fiscal responsibility and stable trade relationships — not a rerun and enlargement of the last trade war.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• augmentation 
• growth