Enlarge vs. Expand — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 3, 2024
Enlarge typically refers to increasing size or detail, often used for images and photographs; expand involves increasing in volume or extent, common in physical or abstract contexts.
Difference Between Enlarge and Expand
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Enlarge is most commonly associated with making something bigger in size, particularly in the context of images, where details are made more visible. On the other hand, expand is used to describe something increasing in volume or area, which can apply to physical spaces or more abstract concepts like businesses.
Enlarge implies a focus on dimensions and detail, whereas expand suggests a growth that spreads out or covers more area.
Enlarge often relates to visual or perceptual growth, for instance, zooming in on a part of a photograph to see it better. Conversely, expand might refer to the broadening of a company’s market reach.
While enlarging something typically enhances its existing details, expanding can lead to the inclusion of new elements or characteristics.
Enlarge is frequently used in digital technology to refer to increasing the size of graphics or text for better visibility, while expand can refer to software or features becoming more comprehensive.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Usage
Increasing size or detail
Increasing volume or extent
Common Contexts
Photography, digital images
Business, physical spaces, abstract concepts
Focus
Dimensions and detail
Growth and coverage
Example Usage
Enlarging a photograph to see more detail
Expanding a business into new markets
Association
Visual or perceptual growth
Inclusion of new elements or characteristics
Compare with Definitions
Enlarge
To enhance the resolution of an image.
She enlarged the wedding photo for a clearer view.
Expand
To elaborate or give more details.
She expanded her argument with well-researched facts.
Enlarge
To magnify or zoom in on a detail.
The app can enlarge small text to make it readable.
Expand
To broaden the scope or range.
The company is looking to expand its services to Europe.
Enlarge
To increase the area of something.
We decided to enlarge the garden to plant more vegetables.
Expand
To spread out or extend in multiple directions.
The gas will expand when heated.
Enlarge
To extend in dimension or scope.
The city plans to enlarge the park next year.
Expand
To extend operations or facilities.
The gym expanded its hours to accommodate more members.
Enlarge
To make larger in size.
Expand
To increase in volume or capacity.
His new book expands on earlier theories of economics.
Enlarge
To make larger in scope or effect; expand
Enlarge our understanding of comets.
Expand
To increase the size, volume, quantity, or scope of; enlarge
Expanded her store by adding a second room.
Enlarge
To become larger; grow or swell.
Expand
To express at length or in detail; enlarge on
Expanded his remarks afterward.
Enlarge
To speak or write at greater length or in greater detail; elaborate
Enlarged upon the plan.
Expand
To open (something) up or out; spread out
The bird expanded its wings and flew off.
Enlarge
(transitive) To make (something) larger.
Expand
(Mathematics) To write (a quantity) as a sum of terms in an extended form.
Enlarge
(intransitive) To grow larger.
Expand
To become greater in size, volume, quantity, or scope
Air expands when heated. This critic's influence is expanding.
Enlarge
(transitive) 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.
Expand
To speak or write at length or in detail
Expand on a favorite topic.
Enlarge
(intransitive) To speak or write at length upon or on (some subject); expand; elaborate
Expand
To open up or out; unfold
The chair expands to form a daybed.
Enlarge
(archaic) To release; to set at large.
Expand
(transitive) To change (something) from a smaller form or size to a larger one; to spread out or lay open.
You can expand this compact umbrella to cover a large table.
Enlarge
(nautical) To get more astern or parallel with the vessel's course; to draw aft; said of the wind.
Expand
(transitive) To increase the extent, number, volume or scope of (something).
A flower expands its leaves.
Enlarge
(legal) To extend the time allowed for compliance with (an order or rule).
Expand
(transitive) To express (something) at length and/or in detail.
Enlarge
To make larger; to increase in quantity or dimensions; to extend in limits; to magnify; as, the body is enlarged by nutrition; to enlarge one's house.
To enlarge their possessions of land.
Expand
To rewrite (an expression) as a longer, yet equivalent sum of terms.
Use the binomial theorem to expand .
Enlarge
To increase the capacity of; to expand; to give free scope or greater scope to; also, to dilate, as with joy, affection, and the like; as, knowledge enlarges the mind.
O ye Corinthians, our . . . heart is enlarged.
Expand
To become, by rewriting, a longer, yet equivalent sum of terms.
The expression expands to .
Enlarge
To set at large or set free.
It will enlarge us from all restraints.
Expand
To multiply both the numerator and the denominator of a fraction by the same natural number yielding a fraction of equal value
Enlarge
To grow large or larger; to be further extended; to expand; as, a plant enlarges by growth; an estate enlarges by good management; a volume of air enlarges by rarefaction.
Expand
(intransitive) To change or grow from smaller to larger in form, number, or size.
Many materials expand when heated.
This compact umbrella expands to cover a large table.
Enlarge
To speak or write at length; to be diffuse in speaking or writing; to expatiate; to dilate.
To enlarge upon this theme.
Expand
(intransitive) To increase in extent, number, volume or scope.
Enlarge
To get more astern or parallel with the vessel's course; to draw aft; - said of the wind.
Expand
(intransitive) To speak or write at length or in detail.
He expanded on his plans for the business.
Enlarge
Make larger;
She enlarged the flower beds
Expand
(intransitive) To feel generous or optimistic.
Enlarge
Make large;
Blow up an image
Expand
To lay open by extending; to open wide; to spread out; to diffuse; as, a flower expands its leaves.
Then with expanded wings he steers his flight.
Enlarge
Become larger or bigger
Expand
To cause the particles or parts of to spread themselves or stand apart, thus increasing bulk without addition of substance; to make to occupy more space; to dilate; to distend; to extend every way; to enlarge; - opposed to contract; as, to expand the chest; heat expands all bodies; to expand the sphere of benevolence.
Expand
To state in enlarged form; to develop; as, to expand an equation. See Expansion, 5.
Expand
To become widely opened, spread apart, dilated, distended, or enlarged; as, flowers expand in the spring; metals expand by heat; the heart expands with joy.
Expand
Extend in one or more directions;
The dough expands
Expand
Become larger in size or volume or quantity;
His business expanded rapidly
Expand
Make bigger or wider in size, volume, or quantity;
Expand the house by adding another wing
Expand
Grow stronger;
The economy was booming
Expand
Exaggerate or make bigger;
The charges were inflated
Expand
Add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing;
She elaborated on the main ideas in her dissertation
Expand
Expand the influence of;
The King extended his rule to the Eastern part of the continent
Common Curiosities
Can you expand on what it means to expand a business?
Expanding a business involves increasing its operational scope, which can include entering new markets or adding new services.
How does expanding a room differ from enlarging it?
Expanding a room usually refers to increasing its physical space, possibly by extending boundaries, while enlarging might focus on making it appear bigger, such as through design changes.
Can enlarge and expand be used interchangeably?
While sometimes used similarly, they are not always interchangeable as they focus on different aspects of growth.
Is enlarging always about physical size?
Primarily, yes, though it can also refer to increasing the scope or detail within a given context.
What is the effect of enlarging an image too much?
Enlarging an image too much can lead to pixelation, where details become blurry and unclear.
What does it mean to enlarge a photo?
Enlarging a photo means increasing its size, often to make details more visible.
What tools are used to enlarge digital images?
Software tools like Photoshop or GIMP are commonly used to enlarge digital images.
What factors to consider before deciding to expand a business?
Factors include market demand, financial resources, and the potential for sustainable growth.
How do businesses typically expand their reach?
Businesses expand their reach by exploring new markets, increasing product lines, or enhancing service offerings.
What are some examples of expanding in an abstract sense?
In an abstract sense, expanding could refer to broadening understanding, knowledge, or experiences.
What does it mean to expand one's horizons?
To expand one's horizons means to broaden one's experiences and knowledge, typically by learning new things or exploring new areas.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
