magnify Definition
- 1to make something appear larger than it is, especially by using a lens or microscope
- 2to make something seem more important or serious than it is
Using magnify: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "magnify" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The microscope magnifies the image of the specimen.
Example
The media tends to magnify small issues into big controversies.
Example
She always magnifies her own achievements and downplays those of others.
magnify Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with magnify
magnify one's importance
to exaggerate one's own significance or role in a situation
Example
He tends to magnify his importance in the company, even though he's just a junior employee.
Example
The media's coverage of the issue has magnified the problem and caused unnecessary panic among the public.
Example
The new policy is expected to magnify the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.
Origins of magnify
from Latin 'magnificare', meaning 'to magnify'
Summary: magnify in Brief
To 'magnify' [ˈmæɡ.nə.faɪ] means to make something appear larger, more important, or more serious than it is. This can be done literally, as with a microscope, or figuratively, as with media coverage of an issue. Examples include 'The microscope magnifies the image of the specimen.' and 'She always magnifies her own achievements.'