What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Enlarge vs Enlighten - What's the difference?

enlarge | enlighten |

As verbs the difference between enlarge and enlighten

is that enlarge is to make larger while enlighten is to supply with light; to illuminate; as, the sun enlightens the earth.

enlarge

English

Verb

(enlarg)
  • To make larger.
  • To increase the capacity of; to expand; to give free scope or greater scope to; also, to dilate, as with joy, affection, etc.
  • Knowledge enlarges the mind.
  • * Bible, 2 Corinthians vi. 11
  • O ye Corinthians, our heart is enlarged .
  • To speak at length upon'' or ''on (some subject)
  • * 1664 , (Samuel Butler), Hudibras 2.2.68:
  • I shall enlarge upon the Point.
  • (archaic) To release; to set at large.
  • * 1580 , (Philip Sidney), Arcadia 329:
  • Like a Lionesse lately enlarged .
  • * 1596 , (Edmund Spenser), The Faerie Queene , IV.8:
  • Finding no meanes how I might us enlarge , / But if that Dwarfe I could with me convay, / I lightly snatcht him up and with me bore away.
  • * Barrow
  • It will enlarge us from all restraints.
  • * 1599 , (William Shakespeare), Henry V , Act II Scene II:
  • Uncle of Exeter, enlarge the man committed yesterday, that rail'd against our person. We consider it was excess of wine that set him on.
  • (nautical) To get more astern or parallel with the vessel's course; to draw aft; said of the wind.
  • (legal) To extend the time allowed for compliance with (an order or rule).
  • (Abbott)

    References

    *

    Anagrams

    * *

    enlighten

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To supply with light; to illuminate; as, the sun enlightens the earth.
  • To make clear to the intellect or conscience; to shed the light of truth and knowledge upon; to furnish with increase of knowledge; to instruct; as, to enlighten the mind or understanding.
  • Antonyms

    * endarken