magnify

[ˈmæɡ.nə.faɪ]

magnify Definition

• 1. to make something appear larger than it is, especially by using a lens or microscope
• 2. to 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

Synonyms for magnify

• enlarge
• amplify
• expand
• augment
• boost

Antonyms for magnify

• reduce
• minimize
• diminish

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.

• magnify the problem

  to make a problem seem bigger or more serious than it actually is

  Example

  The media's coverage of the issue has magnified the problem and caused unnecessary panic among the public.

• magnify the impact

  to increase the effect or influence of something

  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'

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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.'