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mag·ni·fy

magnify

 
 
pronunciation:
maeg nih faI
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Parts
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: magnifies, magnifying, magnified
definition 1: to cause to appear larger, as through the use of a lens.
A telescope magnifies the light of the stars.Reading glasses that you buy in a store simply magnify the print.
synonyms:
blow up, exaggerate
similar words:
aggrandize, amplify, enlarge, expand on, inflate
definition 2: to increase the actual size of; enlarge.
The recent heavy rains magnified the drainage problem in the city.Reports of ice on the roads magnified her concern over her husband's lateness.
synonyms:
amplify, augment, boost, build, enlarge, increase
antonyms:
attenuate, minimize, reduce
similar words:
aggrandize, blow up, distend, heighten, inflate, maximize, swell
definition 3: to make (something) seem more important, often inappropriately or without warrant.
He tended to magnify his troubles to get sympathy.
synonyms:
aggrandize, blow up, exaggerate, inflate, overstate
antonyms:
belittle, understate
similar words:
boost, glorify, hyperbolize, intensify, overrate, overvalue
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition: to make, or have the ability to make, something become or appear to become larger.
This side of the mirror magnifies.
synonyms:
enlarge, exaggerate, increase
similar words:
hyperbolize
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derivations: magnifiable (adj.), magnifier (n.)
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