Which word means to increase power, status, or wealth; or to enhance someone's reputation beyond the facts?

Which word means to increase power, status, or wealth; or to enhance someone's reputation beyond the facts?

• A. Verdant
• B. Jingoistic
• C. Aggrandize
• D. Reprobate

Answer: (C)

This item tests recognizing a verb that means making someone seem more powerful, important, or wealthy than they actually are, or boosting their reputation beyond the facts. That word is aggrandize. It comes from grandis, meaning great, and it carries a sense of exaggerating or inflating someone’s importance, often for self-serving purposes. You’ll hear it used when people try to magnify achievements or status beyond what the evidence supports, such as in statements that embellish a role or results. The other words don’t fit this idea. Verdant mainly describes lush green vegetation or, metaphorically, someone inexperienced. Jingoistic characterizes extreme or aggressive patriotism, not the act of boosting someone’s standing. Reprobate refers to a morally unprincipled person or to condemn something as unacceptable, rather than to increasing reputation or power.

This item tests recognizing a verb that means making someone seem more powerful, important, or wealthy than they actually are, or boosting their reputation beyond the facts. That word is aggrandize. It comes from grandis, meaning great, and it carries a sense of exaggerating or inflating someone’s importance, often for self-serving purposes. You’ll hear it used when people try to magnify achievements or status beyond what the evidence supports, such as in statements that embellish a role or results.

The other words don’t fit this idea. Verdant mainly describes lush green vegetation or, metaphorically, someone inexperienced. Jingoistic characterizes extreme or aggressive patriotism, not the act of boosting someone’s standing. Reprobate refers to a morally unprincipled person or to condemn something as unacceptable, rather than to increasing reputation or power.