Magnifying: meaning, definitions and examples

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magnifying

 

[ mæɡnɪfaɪɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

visual enhancement

To magnify means to make something appear larger than it is, especially with the aid of a lens or other optical device. This term can also refer to exaggerating certain qualities or features, making them seem more significant than in reality.

Synonyms

amplify, boost, enlarge, exaggerate

Examples of usage

  • The scientist used a microscope to magnify the sample.
  • He tends to magnify his achievements in conversations.
  • The artist magnified the smallest details in her painting.
  • With this app, you can magnify text for easier reading.

Translations

Translations of the word "magnifying" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aumentando

🇮🇳 बड़ा करना

🇩🇪 vergrößern

🇮🇩 memperbesar

🇺🇦 збільшення

🇵🇱 powiększanie

🇯🇵 拡大する

🇫🇷 agrandissant

🇪🇸 ampliando

🇹🇷 büyütme

🇰🇷 확대

🇸🇦 تكبير

🇨🇿 zvětšování

🇸🇰 zväčšovanie

🇨🇳 放大

🇸🇮 povečevanje

🇮🇸 stækka

🇰🇿 үлкейту

🇬🇪 გაფართოება

🇦🇿 böyüdülməsi

🇲🇽 ampliando

Word origin

The word 'magnify' comes from the Latin word 'magnificare', which means 'to make great' or 'to esteem highly'. It is derived from 'magnus', meaning 'great', and the verb 'facere', meaning 'to make'. The term was first used in English in the late 14th century. Initially, it was used primarily in the context of physical enlargement through optical instruments. Over time, the meaning expanded to include the idea of amplifying or exaggerating qualities or characteristics, which reflects a broader use in both literal and figurative senses. The transition from a strictly scientific term to a more general descriptor shows how language evolves, reflecting human concerns with perception and representation.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,942, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.