magnify
MAGNIH-feye
Magnify (verb) means to make something look bigger, usually with a lens, microscope, or similar device. Example: “The telescope magnifies distant stars so they appear brighter and closer.”
verb
1
To make something look bigger, usually with a lens, microscope, or similar device.
"The telescope magnifies distant stars so they appear brighter and closer."
"Use the app to magnify the text if it's too small to read."
2
To make a problem, feeling, or effect bigger or more intense than it really is.
"Stress tends to magnify small annoyances into major arguments."
3
To praise or glorify, especially in religious language.
""My soul doth magnify the Lord" is a well-known line from scripture."
How to use magnify
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make something appear or feel bigger — either literally through a lens, or emotionally by exaggerating it.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "amplify", which is specifically about increasing sound or signal strength rather than visual size or importance.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
magnify an image
magnify the problem
magnify the effect
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- magnifies
- Past tense
- magnified
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Use the app to _____ the text if it's too small to read.
Etymology
From Latin magnificare, "to make great", from magnificus, "doing great things".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for magnify
See all rhymes for magnify →Frequently asked questions
What does “magnify” mean?
The word “magnify” means to make something look bigger, usually with a lens, microscope, or similar device. In plain terms, to make something appear or feel bigger — either literally through a lens, or emotionally by exaggerating it.
How do you pronounce “magnify”?
“Magnify” is pronounced MAGNIH-feye (/ˈmæɡnɪfaɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “magnify” in a sentence?
Here is “magnify” used in a sentence: “Use the app to magnify the text if it's too small to read.”
What part of speech is “magnify”?
“Magnify” is a verb.
Where does the word “magnify” come from?
The word “magnify” comes from Latin. From Latin magnificare, "to make great", from magnificus, "doing great things".
How many meanings does “magnify” have?
“Magnify” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make something look bigger, usually with a lens, microscope, or similar device.
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