What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
widen
Example
The construction workers had to widen the road to accommodate more traffic. [widen: verb]
Example
The river widened as it flowed towards the sea. [widened: past tense]
enlarge
Example
The artist decided to enlarge the painting to make it more impactful. [enlarge: verb]
Example
Can you please enlarge this photo so we can see the details better? [enlarge: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Enlarge is more commonly used than widen in everyday language. Enlarge is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while widen is less common and refers to specific situations where something needs to be made broader or more extensive.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between widen and enlarge?
Both widen and enlarge can be used in formal and informal contexts, but enlarge may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with art and photography.
