aggrandize

views updated May 29 2018

ag·gran·dize / əˈgranˌdīz/ • v. [tr.] increase the power, status, or wealth of: an action intended to aggrandize the Frankish dynasty. ∎  enhance the reputation of (someone) beyond what is justified by the facts.DERIVATIVES: ag·gran·dize·ment / -ˌdīzmənt; -diz-/ n.ag·gran·diz·er n.

aggrandize

views updated May 23 2018

aggrandize make or make to appear greater. XVII. f. agrandiss-, lengthened stem (see -ISH2) of (O)F. agrandir, prob. — It. aggrandire, f. AG- + grandire — L. grandīre, f. grandis GRAND; the ending was assim. to verbs in -IZE.
So aggrandizement XVII.

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