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greaten

American  
[greyt-n] / ˈgreɪt n /

verb (used with object)

  1. to make greater; enlarge; increase.


verb (used without object)

  1. to become greater.

greaten British  
/ ˈɡreɪtən /

verb

  1. archaic to make or become great

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of greaten

Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; see origin at great, -en 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Yes; In thy confessions thou must greaten and aggravate thy sin by all just circumstances.

From Works of John Bunyan — Volume 02 by Bunyan, John

Q. How will godly acquaintance greaten my sin?—A.

From Works of John Bunyan — Volume 02 by Bunyan, John

A name Whose fame 't were hard to greaten, and that lays On him who bears it a great obligation.

From Modern Italian Poets Essays and Versions by Howells, William Dean

Which doth not therefore mitigate, but so much the more greaten and make odious the offence.

From Life and Death of Mr. Badman by Bunyan, John

Then do I greaten with the pride of life.

From The Kempton-Wace Letters by London, Jack

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