2 syllables: en, large. Stress on large.
/ɪnˈlɑɹdʒ/
Say it backEnlarge is a transitive verb meaning to make something bigger or more extensive. It typically appears in formal or technical contexts (e.g., enlarging a photo, enlarging a database), and implies increasing size, scope, or capacity. The core sense centers on expansion, growth, or magnification beyond its current dimensions or limits.
"The photographer used software to enlarge the image for printing."
"The company plans to enlarge its operations in Asia."
"She wanted to enlarge the map to show more detail."
Pronounce as in-LARRJ with primary stress on the second syllable: /ɪnˈlɑːrdʒ/ (US) or /ɪnˈlɑːdʒ/ (UK). Start with a short, unstressed 'in' /ɪn/, then a strong, rounded 'l' + 'arge' /ˈlɑːrdʒ/ (US) or /ˈlɑːdʒ/ (UK). The final sound is the voiced postalveolar affricate /dʒ/. Practice: mime ‘in’ quickly, then smoothly glide into a clear /lɑːrdʒ/. Audio resources like Pronounce or Forvo can provide native samples.
Common errors: 1) Misplacing stress, saying /ɪnˈlærdʒ/ with a short vowel in the second syllable instead of /ɑː/ or /ɑːː/; 2) Dropping the /j/ in /dʒ/ or pronouncing it as /d/; 3) Slurring the /l/ into the following vowel, producing /ɪnˈlɑrdʒ/ with a weak onset. Correction: pronounce the second syllable with a clear /l/ onset and the affricate /dʒ/ at the end; keep the /ɪn/ unstressed and crisp. Listen to native samples and imitate the timing of the release.
US: /ɪnˈlɑːrdʒ/ with rhoticity; the second syllable has a darker, longer /ɑː/ and a pronounced /r/: /ɹ/. UK: /ɪnˈlɑːdʒ/ or /ɪnˈlɑːdʒ/ with non-rhoticity, shorter /ɑː/ and less post-vocalic /r/. AU: similar to UK but with more vowel flattening and a slightly shorter /ɪn/; final /dʒ/ remains. Key differences: rhotic /r/ presence in US, vowel quality and r-coloring in US vs non-rhotic UK/AU. Reference IPA helps track subtle vowel length and consonant release.
Because of the vowel quality in the stressed syllable and the final affricate /dʒ/. The nucleus of the second syllable is a long back vowel /ɑː/ which must be smoothly released into /dʒ/. For non-native speakers, balancing the short initial /ɪ/ with a strong /ˈlɑː/ requires precise mouth position: a rounded, raised tongue for /ɑː/ and a clear alveolar constriction for /dʒ/. Focus on keeping the /n/ and /l/ clear before the glide, and avoid merging into a single syllable. Practice with minimal pairs to feel the separation.
A unique aspect is the two-part stress and the transition from the alveolar nasal /n/ to the lateral /l/ and the affricate /dʒ/. This triplet creates a distinct rhythm: unstressed /ɪn/ + stressed /ˈlɑːrdʒ/. People often search for how to articulate the /l/ before a velar/ postalveolar cluster; focusing on the precise tongue position for /l/ and the release into /dʒ/ helps clarify pronunciation in quick speech.
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Enlarge derives from the prefix en- (a form of in- meaning to cause to be) + large. Large itself comes from Old French large, from Latin largus meaning abundant, generous, or ample; later in Middle English it shifted toward the sense of size. The en- prefix in English often signals causing or giving a certain quality, so enlarge historically meant to cause to be large or to make larger. The word appears in Middle English texts by the 14th century, with early uses in legal and trade language describing increases in area, extent, or magnitude. Over time, it broadened to cover both literal size (enlarging a photograph or map) and figurative extension (enlarge one’s influence or scope). The semantic evolution tracks a move from concrete, measurable expansion to more abstract magnification, while retaining its core meaning of growth in dimensions or extent.
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Help others use "enlarge" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "enlarge" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "enlarge" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "enlarge"
-rge sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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