magnify

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To make something look bigger using a lens, microscope, or telescope.

   The microscope can magnify the cells hundreds of times so we can study them.

2. 2
   verb

   To make something seem larger, greater, or more important than it really is.

   The newspapers magnified the small incident into a national scandal.

3. 3
   verb

   To increase something in size, strength, or significance.

   The shortage of supplies only magnified the importance of careful planning.

Simplified etymology

Magnify entered English in the late Middle Ages and goes back to Latin magnus, “great.” Its early, strongly biblical senses included “show honour to God” and “make greater in size or importance.” The optical sense “make larger by means of a lens” dates from the mid-17th century.

From Middle English magnifien, from Middle French magnifier, from Latin magnificāre, from magnificus.

Topics

External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary