élargir

Senses

1. 1.

   to widen, to broaden (physically)

   to make something wider or larger in extent

2. 2.

   to expand, to broaden (in scope or understanding)

   to increase in range, scale, or application

3. 3.

   to release, to set free

   to free from confinement (less common, archaic usage)

Examples

• "Il faut élargir cette route pour améliorer le trafic."

  We need to widen this road to improve traffic.

• "L'entreprise cherche à élargir son marché international."

  The company is trying to expand its international market.

• "Pour élargir vos horizons, vous devez voyager et lire beaucoup."

  To broaden your horizons, you need to travel and read a lot.

Usage

A common French verb used both literally (widening physical spaces) and figuratively (expanding ideas, markets, or knowledge). Often appears with indirect objects or reflexively as "s'élargir" (to widen/expand oneself). Standard register.