magnify

[ mag-nuh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, mag·ni·fied, mag·ni·fy·ing.

1. to increase the apparent size of, as a lens does.

   Antonyms: reduce

2. to make greater in actual size; enlarge:

   to magnify a drawing in preparing for a fresco.

   Synonyms: amplify, increase, augment

   Antonyms: reduce

3. to cause to seem greater or more important; attribute too much importance to; exaggerate:

   to magnify one's difficulties.

   Synonyms: overstate

   Antonyms: minimize

4. to make more exciting; intensify; dramatize; heighten:

   The playwright magnified the conflict to get her point across.

5. Archaic. to extol; praise:

   to magnify the Lord.

verb (used without object)

, mag·ni·fied, mag·ni·fy·ing.

1. to increase or be able to increase the apparent or actual size of an object.

magnify

/ ˈmæɡnɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to increase, cause to increase, or be increased in apparent size, as through the action of a lens, microscope, etc
2. to exaggerate or become exaggerated in importance

   don't magnify your troubles

3. rare.
   tr to increase in actual size
4. archaic.
   tr to glorify

Derived Forms

• ˈmagniˌfiable, adjective

Other Words From

• magni·fia·ble adjective
• over·magni·fy verb (used with object) overmagnified overmagnifying
• re·magni·fy verb (used with object) remagnified remagnifying
• un·magni·fied adjective
• un·magni·fying adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of magnify¹

1350–1400; Middle English magnifien < Latin magnificāre. See magni-, -fy

Word History and Origins

Origin of magnify¹

C14: via Old French from Latin magnificāre to praise; see magnific

Example Sentences

With darker paints, the impact is magnified further.

From BBC

“If I were teaching about bugs, I would have brought in plastic bugs for the children to explore, or taken magnifying glasses outside,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

The film is magnifying the superficiality of our culture.

From Salon

In plays such as “The Whale,” “Pocatello” and “A Permanent Image,” he closely examines the sociological landscape, the way economics and culture constrict and magnify, imprison and potentially liberate this thing we call the self.

From Los Angeles Times

The suspect was equipped with two digital cameras, a black plastic bag of food, an SKS-style semi-automatic rifle - a weapon with a range of nearly 440 yards - and a scope to magnify its lens.

From BBC

Related Words

• aggravate
• amplify
• deepen
• enhance
• heighten
• inflate
• multiply