Magnify Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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magnify
[หmaษกnษชหfaษช ]
Definitions
in photography
To make (something) appear larger by using a lens or magnifying glass.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| magnify |
Use this word when you want to talk about making something appear larger, often through a lens or other optical instrument. It can also mean to make something seem more important or serious.
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| enlarge |
Choose this word when you want to talk about making something physically bigger, or to expand upon an idea or topic. It is often neutral and does not carry any negative connotations.
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| amplify |
This word is best for situations where you want to increase the volume of sound or to make something more intense. It can also be used metaphorically to describe increasing the impact or strength of something.
|
| expand |
This word is used when you want to talk about making something larger in scope, range, or extent. It is versatile and can be used in both physical and abstract contexts, such as business or ideas.
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Examples of usage
- The photographer magnified the image to show the intricate details.
- She magnified the tiny insect to capture its beauty.
in importance
To increase the importance or scale of (something).
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| magnify |
Used when you want to make something appear larger or more important, often visually or in terms of significance.
|
| heighten |
Used to describe making something more intense or acute, usually applying to emotions or senses.
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| intensify |
Used when describing the increase in strength or degree of something, often referring to feelings, situations, or conditions, and can sometimes have a negative connotation.
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| boost |
Often used when you aim to increase power, strength, or prominence, typically in a positive way.
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Examples of usage
- The success of the project magnified the team's reputation.
- Her words magnified the impact of the speech.
in intensity
To make (something) greater in intensity, especially feelings or emotions.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| magnify |
Used when talking about making something appear larger or more significant, often used with physical objects or abstract concepts.
|
| enhance |
Used when improving the quality, value, or attractiveness of something.
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| intensify |
Describes making something stronger or more extreme, often used with emotions or conditions.
|
| amplify |
Typically used when discussing increasing the volume of sound, but can also refer to expanding or elaborating on information or details.
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Examples of usage
- The music magnified the emotions of the audience.
- His anger was magnified by the unfair treatment.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In optics, lenses are used to magnify images, allowing us to see details beyond normal vision.
- Magnification is a crucial concept in biology, especially in microscopy to study tiny organisms.
- Astronomy relies on magnification in telescopes, enabling us to observe distant galaxies and stars.
Cultural Significance
- Magnifying glasses have historically been linked to detectives, enhancing the image of sleuthing and investigation.
- In art, magnification can bring out hidden details in masterpieces, inviting deeper appreciation.
- The act of magnifying emotions has become a common expression in storytelling, emphasizing character feelings.
Literature
- In literature, magnifying a theme can reveal deeper meanings and provoke thought in readers.
- Some authors use the idea of magnifying flaws in characters to build tension and drama.
- The exaggeration of certain traits to magnify a character's personality is a common literary device in comedy.
Psychology
- Cognitive distortion known as 'catastrophizing' is an example where individuals magnify negative situations.
- Therapists often help clients recognize when they're magnifying problems to provide healthier perspectives.
- The phenomenon of magnifying oneโs achievements can lead to overconfidence or impostor syndrome.
Origin of 'magnify'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'magnificare', which means 'to make great'.
- Its roots are in the word 'magnus', meaning 'great' or 'large'.
- Over time, it evolved into Middle English as 'magnifien', before becoming 'magnify'.
The word 'magnify' originated from the Latin word 'magnificare', which means 'to extol, magnify'. The term has been used in English since the 14th century, initially with the sense of 'to praise', and later evolving to its current meanings of 'to make larger or more important'. The concept of magnification has been essential in various fields such as optics, photography, and psychology.