Aggrandize

Pronunciation: /əˈɡrændˌaɪz/

Definitions of aggrandize

verb to increase the power, status, or wealth of something or someone

Example Sentences

A1 She tried to aggrandize her achievements by exaggerating her role in the project.

A2 The company aggrandized its reputation by winning multiple industry awards.

B1 He constantly aggrandizes himself by bragging about his possessions and accomplishments.

B2 The politician was accused of aggrandizing his wealth through corrupt practices.

C1 The artist's work was aggrandized by critics as a groundbreaking masterpiece.

C2 The CEO's efforts to aggrandize the company's profits led to unethical business practices.

Examples of aggrandize in a Sentence

formal The CEO's main goal was to aggrandize the company's reputation in the industry.

informal She always finds a way to aggrandize her accomplishments when talking to friends.

slang Stop trying to aggrandize yourself, no one is impressed by your stories.

figurative The artist used bold colors and exaggerated shapes to aggrandize the emotion in the painting.

Grammatical Forms of aggrandize

• past tense: aggrandized
• plural: aggrandizes
• comparative: more aggrandizing
• superlative: most aggrandizing
• present tense: aggrandize
• future tense: will aggrandize
• perfect tense: have aggrandized
• continuous tense: is aggrandizing
• singular: aggrandize
• positive degree: aggrandize
• infinitive: to aggrandize
• gerund: aggrandizing
• participle: aggrandizing

Origin and Evolution of aggrandize

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: French

Story behind the word: The word 'aggrandize' originated from the French word 'agrandiss-', which comes from the Old French word 'agrandir' meaning 'to increase, enlarge'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the context of making something appear greater or more impressive, the word 'aggrandize' has evolved to also mean the act of enhancing one's own power, wealth, or status in a self-serving manner.