magnify
[ mag-nuh-fahy ]
/ ˈmæg nəˌfaɪ /
verb (used with object), mag·ni·fied, mag·ni·fy·ing.
to increase the apparent size of, as a lens does.
to make greater in actual size; enlarge: to magnify a drawing in preparing for a fresco.
to cause to seem greater or more important; attribute too much importance to; exaggerate: to magnify one's difficulties.
to make more exciting; intensify; dramatize; heighten: The playwright magnified the conflict to get her point across.
Archaic. to extol; praise: to magnify the Lord.
verb (used without object), mag·ni·fied, mag·ni·fy·ing.
to increase or be able to increase the apparent or actual size of an object.
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SYNONYMS FOR magnify
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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
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British Dictionary definitions for magnify
magnify
/ (ˈmæɡnɪˌfaɪ) /
verb -fies, -fying or -fied
to increase, cause to increase, or be increased in apparent size, as through the action of a lens, microscope, etc
to exaggerate or become exaggerated in importancedon't magnify your troubles
(tr) rare to increase in actual size
(tr) archaic to glorify
Derived Forms
magnifiable, adjectiveWord Origin for magnify
C14: via Old French from Latin magnificāre to praise; see magnific
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Medicine definitions for magnify
magnify
[ măg′nə-fī′ ]
v.
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.