verb B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

amplify

AM-pluh-feye

Amplify (verb) means to increase the strength, volume, or intensity of something, especially a sound or signal. Example: “The microphone amplifies even the quietest whisper.”

verb

To increase the strength, volume, or intensity of something, especially a sound or signal.

"The microphone amplifies even the quietest whisper."

"Social media can amplify small stories into major news."

To explain or develop an idea in greater detail.

"She was asked to amplify her earlier comments for the committee."

How to use amplify

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo make something bigger, louder, or more noticeable — whether it's a sound, a feeling, or an idea.

Common pairings

amplify a signal amplify concerns amplify the message

Word forms

amplified past tense, amplifies singular

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Social media can _____ small stories into major news.

Etymology

From Latin amplificare, "to enlarge", from amplus ("ample") plus facere ("to make").

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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expand exaggerate magnify inflate blow up overdraw overstate hyperbolize hyperbolise

Related words

increase contract grow develop describe extend expand stretch

Rhymes for amplify

unify codify verify pacify notify purify modify qualify crucify specify falsify certify

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Frequently asked questions

What does “amplify” mean?

The word “amplify” means to increase the strength, volume, or intensity of something, especially a sound or signal. In plain terms, to make something bigger, louder, or more noticeable — whether it's a sound, a feeling, or an idea.

How do you pronounce “amplify”?

“Amplify” is pronounced AM-pluh-feye (/ˈæm.plə.faɪ/ in IPA).

How do you use “amplify” in a sentence?

Here is “amplify” used in a sentence: “Social media can amplify small stories into major news.”

What part of speech is “amplify”?

“Amplify” is a verb.

Where does the word “amplify” come from?

The word “amplify” comes from Latin. From Latin amplificare, "to enlarge", from amplus ("ample") plus facere ("to make").

Is “amplify” a common word?

“Amplify” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “amplify” have?

“Amplify” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to increase the strength, volume, or intensity of something, especially a sound or signal.

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