amplify
Use Amplify in a sentence
pləˌfaɪ verb (used with object)
1.
to make larger, greater, or stronger; enlarge; extend.
2.
to expand in stating or describing, as by details or illustrations; clarify by expanding.
3.
Electricity. to increase the amplitude of; cause amplification in.
4.
Archaic. to exaggerate.
verb (used without object)
5.
to discourse at length; expatiate or expand one's remarks, speech, etc. (usually followed by on ): The preacher amplified on the theme of brotherly love.
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Amplify
is one of our favorite verbs.
So is subtilize. Does it mean:
| to run away hurriedly; flee. |
| to introduce subtleties into or argue subtly about. |
Origin:
1375–1425; late Middle English amplifyen < Middle French amplifier < Latin amplificāre to increase, augment. See ample, -ify
1375–1425; late Middle English amplifyen < Middle French amplifier < Latin amplificāre to increase, augment. See ample, -ify
Related forms
am·pli·fi·a·ble, adjective
o·ver·am·pli·fy, verb, o·ver·am·pli·fied, o·ver·am·pli·fy·ing.
un·am·pli·fi·a·ble, adjective
un·am·pli·fied, adjective
Synonyms
1. increase, intensify, heighten. 2. widen, broaden, develop.
1. increase, intensify, heighten. 2. widen, broaden, develop.
Antonyms
1. contract, reduce. 2. condense, abridge.
1. contract, reduce. 2. condense, abridge.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
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Link To amplify
Collins
World English Dictionary
amplify (ˈæmplɪˌfaɪ) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —vb , -fies, -fying, -fied | |
| 1. | (tr) to increase in size, extent, effect, etc, as by the addition of extra material; augment; enlarge; expand |
| 2. | electronics to produce amplification of (electrical signals); increase the amplitude of (signals) |
| 3. | (US) (tr) to exaggerate |
| 4. | (intr) to expand or enlarge a speech, narrative, etc |
| [C15: from Old French amplifier, ultimately from Latin amplificāre to enlarge, from amplus spacious + facere to make] | |
| 'amplifiable | |
| —adj | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
amplify
mid-15c., "to enlarge or expand," from M.Fr. amplifier, from L. amplificare "to enlarge," from amplificus "splendid," from amplus "large" + the root of facere "make, do" (see factitious). Meaning "augment in volume or amount" is from 1570s. Restriction of use to sound
seems to have emerged in the electronic age, c.1915, in reference to radio technology.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
It can increase happiness, amplify a sense of well-being and even comfort sadness.
When governments do impose tariffs, vertical supply chains amplify their effects.
Our illusions regarding control cause us to dismiss the dangers of proximal risk and amplify those of distant and unlikely risks.
It can mildly amplify or suppress such things, but is not the main driver of it.
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