Aggrandise

/əˈɡrændaɪz/ verb

Definition

British spelling: to make something seem greater or more important than it really is, or to increase someone's power or wealth.

Etymology

From Old French 'aggrandiss-' (to make greater), from Latin 'ad-' (to) and 'grandis' (great). Entered English in the 16th century from French, reflecting historical diplomatic exchanges.

Kelly Says

Kings and politicians have been using this word for 500 years to describe inflating their own importance—think of medieval monarchs adding 'Grand' and 'Mighty' to their titles.

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