enrich
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɛnrˈɪtʃ/
US
- /ɛnˈrɪtʃ/
- /ɪnˈrɪtʃ/
Description
- improve
- enhance
- make richer
To enrich something is like adding flavor to a dish - it makes it better, fuller, and more satisfying. You can enrich your life with new experiences, or enrich soil with fertilizer to help plants grow. It's about adding value, whether that's knowledge, beauty, or opportunity. Think of a story enriched by vivid details, or a culture made richer by diverse traditions.
The word comes from the Old French "enrichir," meaning "to make rich." So when you enrich something, you aren't just changing it - you are making it more valuable and complete. A generous friend might enrich your day with a thoughtful gift, while reading widely can enrich your understanding of the world.
To enrich means to improve the quality, value, or content of something. It suggests adding depth, complexity, or fullness to make something more satisfying or rewarding. For example: "Traveling broadened her horizons and enriched her life," or "The museum's collection was enriched by the recent donation."
Enrich isn't just about material wealth; it often refers to intangible things like experiences, knowledge, or relationships. You might enrich a recipe with spices, an argument with evidence, or a conversation with insightful questions.
It can also be used in more specific contexts. In nuclear science, enriching uranium means increasing the amount of a particular isotope. In agriculture, enriching soil means adding nutrients to improve its fertility.
The core idea behind "enrich" is addition - making something that already exists even better by adding to it. It implies a positive transformation, moving from good to better, or from simple to more developed. It's about building on what is already there and creating something more substantial and fulfilling. So whether you are enriching your mind, your life, or the world around you, you are actively making things better through addition and improvement.
Examples
- 1
Vocabulary building
Reading widely can enrich your vocabulary.
- 2
Cultural experience
Living abroad enriched her understanding of other cultures.
- 3
Arts program
The music program has enriched the lives of many local children.
- 4
Cooking
You can enrich the sauce with a little cream.
Pattern
enrich X with Y
improve X by adding Y
- 5
Farming
Farmers enrich the soil with compost before planting.
- 6
Documentary
The documentary is enriched by interviews with former workers.
Pattern
be enriched by + added detail
become better because that detail is included
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- enrichverb
Forms
- enrichedpast tenseverb
- enriching-ing formverb
- enrichesverb