Cool MateEnlarge vs Widen
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Enlarge
Top 3,000 (common)
Widen
Top 3,000 (common)C1verb
| Enlarge | Widen | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪnˈlɑːdʒ//🇺🇸 //ɛnˈlɑrdʒ// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈwaɪdn/","/ˈwaɪdnz/","/ˈwaɪdnd/","/ˈwaɪdnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈwaɪdn/","/ˈwaɪdnz/","/ˈwaɪdnd/","/ˈwaɪdnɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To make something bigger. | To make something bigger in size, especially from side to side. |
| Example | The scientist wanted to enlarge the sample for better analysis. | The city plans to widen the main road to reduce traffic congestion. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | enlarge an image, enlarge a space, enlarge a photograph, enlarge a product, enlarge one's understanding | considerably, dramatically, greatly, from, into, to, considerably, dramatically, greatly, from, into, to |
| Antonyms | shrink, decrease, diminish | narrow, constrict |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'expand'; 'enlarge' is specific to size., Using 'enlarge' without an object, which is often incorrect. | Using 'widden' instead of 'widen'., Confusing 'widen' with 'widened' when speaking about the past., Mixing up 'widen' with 'broaden'. |
| Usage notes | Use in both formal and informal contexts. Common in discussions about images, spaces, or physical objects. Avoid in casual speech if simpler words like 'make bigger' are available. | Use 'widen' in general contexts like architecture or personal experiences (e.g., widen your perspective). Avoid in very informal conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Enlarge vs Widen
What's the difference between Enlarge and Widen?
Enlarge: To make something bigger. Widen: To make something bigger in size, especially from side to side.
Can you show an example of each?
Enlarge: The scientist wanted to enlarge the sample for better analysis. Widen: The city plans to widen the main road to reduce traffic congestion.
Can I use Enlarge and Widen interchangeably?
Not always. Enlarge and Widen are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.