amplify

[am-pluh-fahy]

verb (used with object)

amplified, amplifying 

1. to make larger, greater, or stronger; enlarge; extend.

   Synonyms: heighten, intensify, increase
   Antonyms: reduce, contract

2. to expand in stating or describing, as by details or illustrations; clarify by expanding.

   Synonyms: develop, broaden, widen
   Antonyms: abridge, condense

3. Electricity.,  to increase the amplitude of; cause amplification in.

4. Archaic.,  to exaggerate.

verb (used without object)

amplified, amplifying 

1. to discourse at length; expatiate or expand one's remarks, speech, etc. (usually followed byon ).

   The preacher amplified on the theme of brotherly love.

amplify

/ ˈæmplɪˌfaɪ /

verb

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. (tr) to exaggerate

4. (intr) to expand or enlarge a speech, narrative, etc

Other Word Forms

• amplifiable adjective
• overamplify verb
• unamplifiable adjective
• unamplified adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of amplify¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English amplifyen, from Middle French amplifier, from Latin amplificāre “to increase, augment”; equivalent to ample + -ify

Word History and Origins

Origin of amplify¹

C15: from Old French amplifier, ultimately from Latin amplificāre to enlarge, from amplus spacious + facere to make

Example Sentences

Potential swings in stock prices risk being amplified in the coming week, as liquidity can become thin in the market as many investors may be taking time off around Thanksgiving.

Read more on MarketWatch

Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, now leads the organization and is amplifying a message especially resonant for young conservative women: Family is central.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The widening gap between rules-based prescriptions and current policy has amplified calls for the Fed to explain its reasoning more clearly.

Read more on Barron's

Researchers have repeatedly warned that climate change amplifies the risk of natural disasters such as bushfires, floods and cyclones.

Read more on Barron's

Such local marvels were amplified by church and school Latin, and an increasing awareness of world poetry.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• augment 
• deepen 
• exaggerate 
• heighten 
• intensify 
• magnify 
• strengthen