Aggrandizing: meaning, definitions and examples
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aggrandizing
[ əˈgræn.dɪ.zaɪz ]
self-importance
To aggrandize means to increase in power, reputation, or wealth, often in an exaggerated manner. This term can also refer to the act of making someone or something appear more impressive or important than they actually are. In many cases, aggrandizing can involve self-promotion or embellishment of one's accomplishments. People often aggrandize their achievements in order to gain recognition or status.
Synonyms
elevate, exaggerate, exalt, magnify, promote
Examples of usage
- He was accused of aggrandizing his role in the project.
- She tends to aggrandize her family's history.
- The organization often aggrandizes its impact on the community.
Translations
Translations of the word "aggrandizing" in other languages:
🇵🇹 aggrandecimento
🇮🇳 महिमा बढ़ाना
🇩🇪 Vergrößerung
🇮🇩 memperbesar
🇺🇦 підвищення
🇵🇱 powiększanie
🇯🇵 拡大する
🇫🇷 agrandissement
🇪🇸 agrandamiento
🇹🇷 büyütme
🇰🇷 확대
🇸🇦 تعظيم
🇨🇿 zvětšení
🇸🇰 zväčšenie
🇨🇳 扩大
🇸🇮 povečanje
🇮🇸 stækkun
🇰🇿 ұлғайту
🇬🇪 გაფართოება
🇦🇿 böyütmə
🇲🇽 agrandamiento
Etymology
The word 'aggrandize' originates from the French word 'agrandir', meaning 'to enlarge'. This in turn stems from the Latin term 'agrandire', where 'ad-' means 'to' or 'toward' and 'grandis' means 'large' or 'great'. The use of this word in English can be traced back to the mid-19th century, reflecting the social dynamics of the time, where individuals often sought to elevate their status in various spheres of life. The concept of self-aggrandizement has historical roots in the practices of nobility and leadership, where figures would amplify their achievements and lineage to secure power and influence. Over time, 'aggrandize' has evolved to encapsulate not just the elevation of status but also the tendency to embellish or exaggerate elements of a person’s life or achievements, revealing much about cultural values associated with ambition and self-perception.