What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
enlargement
Example
The enlargement of the photograph revealed details that were previously unseen. [enlargement: noun]
Example
The company is planning an enlargement of their production facilities. [enlargement: noun]
increase
Example
The price of gas has increased significantly in the past year. [increase: verb]
Example
There has been an increase in the number of students attending the school. [increase: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Increase is more commonly used than enlargement in everyday language. Increase is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while enlargement is less common and typically used in specific contexts related to physical objects or spaces.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between enlargement and increase?
Both enlargement and increase can be used in formal and informal contexts, but enlargement may be perceived as more formal due to its association with technical or scientific language.