aggrandize

The useful part

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 19, 2026 is: aggrandize • \uh-GRAN-dyze\ • verb To aggrandize someone (or something) is to enhance their power, wealth, position, or reputation. Aggrandize can also mean "to increase or enlarge" or "to praise highly." // Critics of the book argue that the author aggrandizes corrupt politicians. While some were obvious fabrications, meant to aggrandize the narrator by his association with Tsietsi, most seemed true." â€" Lynda Schuster, Literary Hub, 16 June 2026 Did you know?

How it works

• The word literally traces back to the Latin adjective grandis, meaning "fully grown, large, great," and it has enhanced the English language for over three centuries.
• Nowadays, aggrandize is often paired with self, either the word or the prefix: to "aggrandize oneself" or to "be self-aggrandizing" is to glorify oneself, or to intently pursue power, wealth, and the like.
• It's of course great to take pride in a job well done, but we appreciate those who keep it realâ€"after all, not every hit can be a grand slam.

Details worth keeping

many congregants spoke of their admiration for Tsietsi. They came forward to tell stories of previous encounters with him. Aggrandize is a grand word, and we don't just mean that in praise.