magnify
magnify Lexical Profile
magnify Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To make something appear larger than it actually is, especially with a lens or microscope.
"The powerful microscope can magnify tiny cells up to a thousand times their actual size."
To increase or exaggerate the apparent importance, severity, or intensity of something.
"Lack of sleep tends to magnify minor everyday frustrations into major crises."
To extol, glorify, or praise highly (used especially in religious or archaic contexts).
"The ancient choral hymn was composed to magnify the name of the Creator."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French magnifier, which derives from Latin magnificare ('to esteem greatly, praise, or make great'), a compound of magnus ('great, large') and -ficare ('to make', from facere).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.