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aggrandize

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "aggrandize": To aggrandize means to increase the power, status, or wealth of someone or something, often in a way

What does "aggrandize" mean?

To aggrandize means to increase the power, status, or wealth of someone or something, often in a way that feels exaggerated or self-serving. Imagine someone standing on a pedestal they built themselves; the action implies a deliberate effort to make a person or concept appear grander or more significant than it might actually be. This word is almost exclusively used in formal contexts, such as political analysis or historical critique. It frequently appears with the word "self" as "self-aggrandize," describing someone who constantly promotes their own importance to others. It carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that the increase in status is driven by ego rather than genuine merit.

"aggrandize" in conversation

Discussing a CEO's behavior

Do you think the CEO actually cares about the mission?

Do you think the CEO actually cares about the mission?

Not really. It feels like he's just using the company to aggrandize his own public image.

Not really. It feels like he's just using the company to aggrandize his own public image.

Used to suggest that someone's actions are motivated by vanity.

Analyzing historical figures

The king sought to aggrandize his empire through constant territorial expansion.

The king sought to aggrandize his empire through constant territorial expansion.

So it wasn't about stability, but purely about increasing his own reach?

So it wasn't about stability, but purely about increasing his own reach?

Used in a historical context regarding power.

"aggrandize" in a sentence

  1. He built the massive monument to aggrandize his own legacy.

    He built the massive monument to aggrandize his own legacy.

  2. The politician was accused of using public funds to aggrandize his personal wealth.

    The politician was accused of using public funds to aggrandize his personal wealth.

  3. The novel serves as a critique of those who seek to aggrandize their influence at the expense of communal harmony.

    The novel serves as a critique of those who seek to aggrandize their influence at the expense of communal harmony.

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