enlarge difference

[ɪnˈlɑːrdʒ ˈdɪfərəns]
verb phrase
ampliar a diferença
1. to make a difference or gap between two things larger or more pronounced
The new policy will enlarge the difference between rich and poor families.
A nova política vai ampliar a diferença entre as famílias ricas e pobres.
2. to increase the extent or magnitude of a distinction or disparity
Rising education costs continue to enlarge differences in opportunity.
Os custos crescentes da educação continuam a ampliar as diferenças de oportunidade.
3. to make a contrast more noticeable or evident
The director's choice of lighting helps enlarge the difference between the two characters.
A escolha de iluminação do diretor ajuda a ampliar a diferença entre os dois personagens.
This phrase is commonly used in socioeconomic discussions in both Brazil and the USA when discussing inequality, education disparities, and social divisions. In Brazilian Portuguese, 'ampliar a diferença' is the preferred academic and formal term, while in Portugal, 'alargar a diferença' reflects the traditional European Portuguese vocabulary.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
widen the gapincrease the differencemagnify the disparityaccentuate the distinctionexpand the gap
Antonyms / Antônimos
narrow the differenceclose the gapreduce the disparityminimize the differencebridge the gap

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ampliar a diferença
most common and standard usage
Rio de Janeiro
aumentar a diferença
alternative form, slightly more informal
São Paulo
ampliar a diferença
standard usage, preferred in business contexts
Portugal
ampliar a diferença / alargar a diferença
alargar is more traditional in European Portuguese

Related Words

differencedisparitygapdistinctionenlargeamplifywidenmagnify

Related Idioms & Phrases

widen the gap
make the difference bigger
stretch the difference
push the divide
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