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Enlargement: meaning, definitions and examples

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enlargement

 

[ɪnˈlɑːdʒmənt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

The action or state of enlarging or being enlarged, especially in terms of physical size.

Synonyms

augmentation, expansion, extension.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
enlargement

This term is used when referring to the process of making something larger or more extensive, often in a physical sense.

  • The enlargement of the photograph revealed more details.
  • The city's enlargement plans include new parks and schools.
expansion

Use this term when referring to increasing the size, number, or scope of something, particularly for businesses, territories, or abstract concepts.

  • The company's expansion into new markets was successful.
  • The expansion of the universe is a fascinating topic in cosmology.
extension

This word is suitable when talking about making something longer or adding extra parts, especially in time, space, or process.

  • They applied for an extension on their project deadline.
  • The extension of the building will include more office space.
augmentation

This word is often used in a more specialized or technical context, such as medicine or technology, to imply enhancement or addition.

  • The augmentation of her salary was much appreciated.
  • The surgeon performed a breast augmentation.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor recommended an enlargement of the tumor for further examination.
  • She underwent breast enlargement surgery last year.
  • The enlargement of the heart can lead to serious health issues.
Context #2 | Noun

photography

The process of making a photographic print larger than the negative.

Synonyms

amplification, blow up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
enlargement

Used in general contexts when something is being made bigger, such as a photograph or an object.

  • The enlargement of the photograph revealed more details
  • The city plans an enlargement of the park
blow up

Commonly used in informal contexts, often referring to increasing the size of a photograph or an image. It can also have a negative connotation when referring to an explosion or someone getting very angry.

  • Can you blow up this picture to fit a larger frame? The argument caused him to blow up at his friend
amplification

Typically used in scientific or technical contexts, especially relating to increasing the strength of something, like sound, signals, or genetic material.

  • The scientist discussed the amplification of DNA samples
  • The speaker system allows for amplification of the singer's voice

Examples of usage

  • He specializes in the enlargement of black and white photos.
  • She requested an enlargement of the picture to frame it.
Context #3 | Noun

political

The action of increasing the territory of a country.

Synonyms

expansion, extension, growth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
enlargement

Use this when something is made bigger physically, such as a photo or a physical space.

  • She asked for an enlargement of her favorite photograph.
  • The company plans for the enlargement of the office space.
expansion

This word is appropriate for describing an increase in size, scope, or range, typically involving complex systems like businesses or economies.

  • The rapid expansion of the tech company has surprised many investors.
  • There has been an expansion in the local economy.
growth

This term is suitable for describing gradual increases, especially in living organisms, companies, or economies. Often used in a positive sense.

  • The economic growth of the country has been remarkable in recent years.
  • Proper nutrition is essential for the growth of children.
extension

Best used when talking about prolonging time or adding extra parts to something that already exists.

  • They were granted an extension on their project deadline.
  • The house renovation includes an extension to the kitchen.

Examples of usage

  • The enlargement of the European Union has brought new challenges and opportunities.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'enlargement' comes from the Old French word 'enlargir', which means 'to make larger'.
  • Its roots can be traced further back to the Latin word 'largus', meaning 'large or abundant'.
  • Terms related to enlargement include 'enlarge', which means to increase in size.

Science

  • In biology, enlargement can refer to cell growth, where cells increase in size due to various physiological processes.
  • In medical terms, organ enlargement can be a sign of disease, such as cardiomegaly (enlargement of the heart).
  • Enlargement is often used in microscopy, where images of small objects are made larger for better visibility.

Art and Design

  • In visual arts, enlargement can refer to techniques used to create larger versions of smaller works, such as using grids to scale up drawings.
  • Graphic designers often use digital tools for enlargement, allowing them to create large format prints from smaller images.
  • The concept of enlargement is crucial in photography, where enlarging an image can enhance detail and visual impact.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and media, enlargement is a common trope portrayed through special effects, such as characters or objects becoming gigantic.
  • Popular animated series often feature humorous scenes where characters inadvertently cause things to enlarge, leading to chaotic situations.
  • In gaming, characters might have power-ups known as enlargement boosts, allowing them to grow and gain advantages.

Technology

  • Digital tools and software frequently allow users to enlarge images or graphics without losing quality, thanks to advancements in algorithms.
  • Virtual reality technologies may incorporate enlargement to create immersive environments that feel larger than life.
  • Enlargement is an important aspect in printing technology, ensuring that images are clean and clear even in large formats.

Translations

Translations of the word "enlargement" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ampliação

🇮🇳 विस्तार

🇩🇪 Vergrößerung

🇮🇩 pembesaran

🇺🇦 збільшення

🇵🇱 powiększenie

🇯🇵 拡大 (kakudai)

🇫🇷 agrandissement

🇪🇸 agrandamiento

🇹🇷 büyütme

🇰🇷 확대 (hwakdae)

🇸🇦 توسيع (tawsi'a)

🇨🇿 zvětšení

🇸🇰 zväčšenie

🇨🇳 扩大 (kuòdà)

🇸🇮 povečanje

🇮🇸 stækkun

🇰🇿 ұлғайту

🇬🇪 გაფართოება (gafartoeba)

🇦🇿 böyütmə

🇲🇽 agrandamiento

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,933 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.