Aggrandize: meaning, definitions and examples

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aggrandize

 

[ əˈɡrænd.aɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

increase power

To aggrandize means to increase in power, status, or wealth. It often implies exaggeration or overstatement when someone or something is made to seem more important or grander than they really are. This term is frequently used in contexts where individuals or entities seek to enhance their own reputation or influence, sometimes at the expense of others. Aggrandizing can refer to self-promotion or the act of magnifying accomplishments.

Synonyms

exaggerate, inflate, magnify

Examples of usage

  • He tried to aggrandize his achievements at work.
  • The politician's speech was aimed to aggrandize his image.
  • Many companies aggrandize their products to attract customers.

Translations

Translations of the word "aggrandize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aggrandizar

🇮🇳 बढ़ाना

🇩🇪 vergrößern

🇮🇩 memperbesar

🇺🇦 підвищувати

🇵🇱 powiększać

🇯🇵 拡大する

🇫🇷 aggrandir

🇪🇸 agrandar

🇹🇷 büyütmek

🇰🇷 확대하다

🇸🇦 تكبير

🇨🇿 zvětšit

🇸🇰 zväčšiť

🇨🇳 扩大

🇸🇮 povečati

🇮🇸 stækka

🇰🇿 ұлғайту

🇬🇪 გაფართოება

🇦🇿 böyütmək

🇲🇽 agrandar

Etymology

The term 'aggrandize' originates from the French word 'aggrandir', meaning 'to make great'. This, in turn, derives from the Latin root 'grandis', which means 'great'. The word came into use in the English language in the early 18th century, often associated with discussions of power dynamics, social status, and reputation. It has continued to evolve in its usage, encompassing both literal and figurative senses of growth in stature or importance. Over time, 'aggrandize' has gained negative connotations when it relates to self-serving behaviors or shameless self-promotion in various aspects of life, from politics to business.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,346, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.