magnify
Use Magnify in a sentence
nəˌfaɪ verb (used with object)
1.
to increase the apparent size of, as a lens does.
2.
to make greater in actual size; enlarge: to magnify a drawing in preparing for a fresco.
3.
to cause to seem greater or more important; attribute too much importance to; exaggerate: to magnify one's difficulties.
4.
to make more exciting; intensify; dramatize; heighten: The playwright magnified the conflict to get her point across.
5.
Archaic. to extol; praise: to magnify the Lord.
verb (used without object)
6.
to increase or be able to increase the apparent or actual size of an object.
00:10
Magnify
is one of our favorite verbs.
So is absquatulate. Does it mean:
| to flee; abscond: |
| to swindle, cheat, hoodwink, or hoax. |
Related forms
mag·ni·fi·a·ble, adjective
o·ver·mag·ni·fy, verb (used with object), o·ver·mag·ni·fied, o·ver·mag·ni·fy·ing.
re·mag·ni·fy, verb (used with object), re·mag·ni·fied, re·mag·ni·fy·ing.
un·mag·ni·fied, adjective
un·mag·ni·fy·ing, adjective
Synonyms
2. augment, increase, amplify. 3. overstate.
2. augment, increase, amplify. 3. overstate.
Antonyms
1, 2. reduce. 3. minimize.
1, 2. reduce. 3. minimize.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
|
Link To magnify
Collins
World English Dictionary
magnify (ˈmæɡnɪˌfaɪ) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —vb , -fies, -fying, -fied | |
| 1. | to increase, cause to increase, or be increased in apparent size, as through the action of a lens, microscope, etc |
| 2. | to exaggerate or become exaggerated in importance: don't magnify your troubles |
| 3. | rare (tr) to increase in actual size |
| 4. | archaic (tr) to glorify |
| [C14: via Old French from Latin magnificāre to praise; see | |
| 'magnifiable | |
| —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
Cite This Source
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
magnify
late 14c., "to speak or act for the glory or honor (of someone or something)," from O.Fr. magnifier, from L. magnificare "esteem greatly, extol," from magnificus "splendid" (see magnificence). Meaning of "use a telescope or microscope" is first attested 1660s. Related: Magnifying.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Cite This Source
American Heritage
Medical Dictionary
magnify mag·ni·fy (māg'nə-fī')
v. mag·ni·fied, mag·ni·fy·ing, mag·ni·fies
To increase the apparent size of, especially with a lens.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
Example sentences
Derivatives' tendency to magnify problems has led to calls for regulators to ban some types.
Quarrels that were part of the marriage began to magnify and cascade as the anger took on a life of its own.
If you can, you're going to magnify return on investment and good will.
They live in improvised tents, sleeping beneath flimsy sheets of plastic that magnify the heat and welcome the rain.
Matching Quote
Nearby Words
Copyright © 2013 Dictionary.com, LLC. All rights reserved.
