French word

élargir

Pronunciation

IPA/elaʁʒiʁ/

Meaning

  • verbexpand

Example

Le magasin va élargir son espace.

The store is going to expand its space.

Illustration for élargir (expand)

More examples

Nous devons élargir nos horizons.

We need to broaden our horizons.

Core concept

An existing limit is pushed back so that more space, scope, or possibility becomes available.

Common phrases

  • élargir son réseau

    expand his network

  • élargir ses connaissances

    broaden his knowledge

Similar words

agrandir: To increase the physical dimensions of an object or space.
augmenter: To raise the level, amount, or degree of something.
étendre: To stretch a surface or range so that it covers more ground.
accroître: To make influence, volume, or another measure greater.

Definition in French

Étendre la largeur ou la portée d'une chose, notamment pour agrandir un espace ou élargir un domaine d'activité ou de réflexion.

Word origin

The verb developed in Old French as eslargir from es- and large, later taking the modern spelling élargir with the ending -ir.

Usage tips

  • The direct-object pattern covers abstract extensions as well as physical ones, as in élargir un débat or élargir ses horizons.

Other meanings

  • widenverb
  • broadenverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word