What does aggrandize mean?
Aggrandize is a formal verb meaning to make someone or something appear greater, more powerful, or more important — whether by genuinely increasing that person's standing or by exaggerating it beyond reality. It is most frequently used in political and historical commentary, where leaders are said to aggrandize themselves through conquest, propaganda, or the accumulation of titles and wealth. The word carries a distinctly negative connotation: to aggrandize is usually to do so at others' expense and out of self-interest, which is why the adjective 'self-aggrandizing' has become a common shorthand for boastful, ego-driven behavior. Derived from French 'grandir', meaning 'to grow great', the word entered English in the early seventeenth century and shares its root with words like 'grandeur' and 'grandiose'. Its noun form, aggrandizement, describes the process or result of such enlargement of power or reputation.
verbTo increase the power, importance, wealth, or reputation of someone or something, especially oneself; to make greater or grander than it actually is.
- To increase the power, importance, or status of a person or thing (often oneself), typically through self-serving means.
- To make something appear greater or more impressive than it really is.
"The dictator used propaganda to aggrandize his own image while the country's economy collapsed."
"Critics accused the memoir of aggrandizing its author at the expense of historical accuracy."
"The corporation sought to aggrandize its market position by acquiring smaller competitors."
Aggrandize comes from French 'grandir' — literally 'to make grand' — so every time a politician inflates their own legacy, they're doing exactly what the word was invented to describe.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of aggrandize
Aggrandize derives from French 'agrandir', formed from the phrase 'à grandir' meaning 'to make great', ultimately from Latin 'grandis', meaning 'great' or 'large'. The word entered English in the early seventeenth century, initially used of territorial expansion before extending to personal power and reputation. It shares its Latin root with cognates such as 'grandeur', 'grandiose', and 'grand', all carrying the core sense of greatness or magnitude.
Related word forms
How aggrandize is actually used
Formal register. Often carries a negative connotation of self-importance or ambition pursued at others' expense, particularly in the form 'self-aggrandizing'. The noun form is 'aggrandizement', spelled with -z- in American English and often with -s- in British English.
Easily confused with aggrandize
Aggregate means to collect or total things together, whereas aggrandize means to increase someone's power or importance.