verb
magnify
MAG-nih-fy/ˈmæɡnɪfaɪ/
To increase something's apparent size.
The magnifying glass magnifies the small beetle beneath its lens.
Etymology
“Great” and “make” connect magnify with making much of something: praising it or treating it as important. The apparent-size sense extends this idea to making something look larger.
In context
Alexander did everything in his power to magnify the importance of his Royal captives by the Splendor of their retinue and the Pomp and pageantry with which he invested their movements
More examples
- These reading glasses magnify the tiny print on the label.
- The microscope magnified the cells enough to reveal their shapes.
- One side of the mirror magnifies my reflection.
Forms
magnify · magnifies · magnified · magnifying
magnification noun — The increase in an object's apparent size.
magnifier noun — A device that makes objects appear larger.
Similar words
- enlarge
- Can increase actual size, rather than only apparent size.