The spelling of the word "enlarger" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "en" is pronounced as "ɛn", which rhymes with the word "ten". The second syllable "lar" is pronounced with a long "a" sound as "leɪr", similar to the word "layer". The last syllable "ger" is pronounced as "dʒər", with a soft "g" sound like in "gem". Altogether, the word "enlarger" is pronounced as "ɛn.leɪdʒ.ər", with the stress on the second syllable.
An enlarger is a device or apparatus widely employed in photography to magnify or increase the size of a photographic negative or slide in order to create a larger print. Consisting of several components, an enlarger usually incorporates a light source, a film carrier, a lens, a negative carrier, and a focusing mechanism. The purpose of an enlarger is to project the light passing through a negative or slide onto light-sensitive photographic paper, thereby transferring the image onto a larger surface.
Typically used in darkrooms, an enlarger permits photographers to manipulate the exposure, contrast, and focus of the final print. It allows for the adjustment of the size of the printed image, giving the photographer more control over the composition and aesthetic qualities of the photograph. By altering the distance between the enlarger lens and the photographic paper, one can vary the size of the print. Moreover, an enlarger's lens enables the reshaping or cropping of the original image to emphasize certain elements or improve visual appeal.
The enlarger, by virtue of its functionality, is an indispensable tool for photographers who wish to produce fine prints with precise control over reproduction factors such as tone, sharpness, and grain. From amateur enthusiasts to professional photographers, the enlarger remains an essential element in the production of high-quality prints, allowing for artistic expression and experimentation in the darkroom.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "enlarger" is derived from the verb "enlarge", which originated from the Old French term "enlargir" during the 14th century. The Old French term can be broken down into two components: "en", meaning 'make' or 'cause to,' and "largir", meaning 'to make wide' or 'to broaden.' The word "largir" itself can be traced back to the Latin term "largus", which means 'large' or 'bountiful.' Hence, the etymology of "enlarger" signifies the act of making something larger or bigger.