aggrandize
/əˈɡɹændaɪ̯z/
Group 2Difficulty 3/3
Definition
- (verb)
- To increase the power, status, or wealth of; to exaggerate GRE
Example in Context
Critics accused the memoir of being an attempt to aggrandize the author's role in events that were largely shaped by others.
Synonyms
exaggerateinflatemagnify
Etymology
To make something seem greater or more powerful.
- ad- (Latin) — to
- grandis (Latin) — great
Memory Aid
👀Sounds like “a grand eyes”
With A GRAND set of EYES, he AGGRANDIZES his wealth by exaggerating his riches!
Visual Association
💰A man in a tuxedo, surrounded by gold coins, exaggerating his fortune to impress everyone.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “aggrandize” mean on the GRE?
aggrandize (verb) means “To increase the power, status, or wealth of; to exaggerate”. Critics accused the memoir of being an attempt to aggrandize the author's role in events that were largely shaped by others.
How to remember “aggrandize” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “aggrandize” sounds like “a grand eyes”. With A GRAND set of EYES, he AGGRANDIZES his wealth by exaggerating his riches!
What are synonyms for “aggrandize”?
Common synonyms: exaggerate, inflate, magnify.