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

The pandemic has magnified it for whatever reason, and the players protesting did, too.

From FiveThirtyEight

A mishandled migration like this alone was likely to cause new problems and magnify existing ones.

From Search Engine Land

For those people, being alone for extended periods of time can magnify or rehash old problems.

From Fortune

Samsung says the lens can magnify images 5X optically and 50X using software tricks.

From Fortune

Making sure this data is accurate and up to date has always been important and is just magnified by the uncertainty this situation has created for all businesses and consumers.

From Search Engine Watch

He may have nothing to boast about himself, and his distorted mind may magnify the deeds of the younger man.

From Project Gutenberg

"Don't magnify my importance; but I shall always be your friend, Lawrence," she said, simply.

From Project Gutenberg

I thank and magnify the ever-blessed Trinity, who chose thee from all our race for this special privilege.

From Project Gutenberg

Dan's talents and his brilliant career at college all helped to magnify the importance of Bassett's latest move.

From Project Gutenberg

I magnify the child of vigor at this sacrifice, who shines under the heaven, the thoughtful Agni.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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