aggrandisement

Thân thiện

The king's aggrandisement was marked by a grand new crown.

Definition

Noun: 1. The act of making something greater in power, wealth, importance, or size: Aggrandisement refers to the process of increasing the scope, prestige, or influence of a person, institution, or concept, often for self-serving purposes.

Usage

The word "aggrandisement" is a formal term, often used in political, historical, or critical contexts to describe the deliberate expansion of power or status. It frequently carries a negative connotation, implying that the increase is sought or achieved in a selfish, excessive, or unjustified manner.

Examples

• The emperor's policies were focused on the aggrandisement of his own authority at the expense of the senate's power.
• Historians criticized the regime for its territorial aggrandisement through aggressive wars.
• The charity was accused of being a tool for the founder's personal aggrandisement rather than a genuine philanthropic effort.

Advanced Usage

• Self-aggrandisement: This is a very common collocation. It specifically refers to the act of enhancing one's own power, wealth, or reputation, and is almost always used pejoratively.
  • His speech was an exercise in self-aggrandisement, focusing solely on his own achievements.

Variants and Related Words

• Aggrandizement: This is the standard spelling in American English. "Aggrandisement" is the standard spelling in British English. Both have identical meanings and usage.
• Aggrandise (verb) / Aggrandize (verb): To increase the power, status, or wealth of.
  • He sought to aggrandize his family's name through strategic marriages.

Synonyms

• Enhancement: The act of improving the quality, value, or extent of something. (Can be more neutral than "aggrandisement".)
• Exaltation: The action of elevating someone in rank, power, or character. (Often has a more positive or honorific connotation.)
• Elevation: The act of raising to a higher position or status. (Can be neutral.)
• Amplification: The action of enlarging upon or adding detail to a story or statement. (Often used in the context of rhetoric or information.)

Antonyms

• Diminishment: The act of making something smaller or less important.
• Humiliation: The action of making someone feel ashamed and foolish by injuring their dignity and pride.
• Reduction: The action of making something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.

Học thuật

Noun

1. the act of increasing the wealth or prestige or power or scope of something
   • the aggrandizement of the king
   • his elevation to cardinal

Từ đồng nghĩa

• aggrandizement
• elevation