amplify

/ˈæmplɪfaɪ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈæmplɪfaɪ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈam-plə-ˌfī/ (ame, mw)

amplify — verb

  • amplifypresent simple I / you / we / they
  • amplifieshe / she / it
  • amplifiedpast simple
  • amplifying-ing form

1. to use a device or piece of equipment to make a sound or signal stronger so that

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to use a device or piece of equipment to make a sound or signal stronger so that people can hear it more easily.

例句

The small speakers amplified Vivek's voice so the whole crowd could hear his speech.

amplify + voice/sound (typical object)

Noa adjusted the microphone to amplify the singer's quiet vocals during the second verse.

amplify + vocals/voice (audio production context)

同義詞
  • boost

    informal; common for radio or wireless signals

  • magnify

    more general; can apply to sight as well as sound

反義詞
  • muffle

    to make a sound quieter or less clear

  • dampen

    to reduce the strength of a sound or vibration

文法句型

amplify + [sound/voice/signal]

用法筆記

Subject is typically a device (speaker, microphone, amplifier, antenna) or a person operating one. Object is almost always a sound, voice, or electronic signal.

常見錯誤

❌Amir amplified the volume on the radio.
✅Amir turned up the volume on the radio.
💡you amplify a sound or signal, not the volume control itself.

2. to make a feeling, problem, risk, or effect stronger or more noticeable, often w

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to make a feeling, problem, risk, or effect stronger or more noticeable, often without intending to.

例句

Social media posts can amplify public anger after a single careless remark by a politician.

amplify + anger/outrage (figurative effect)

The heavy rain amplified the risk of flooding in villages along the river.

amplify + risk (typical abstract object)

同義詞
  • intensify

    very close in meaning; slightly more neutral about cause

  • heighten

    often used with awareness, fear, or tension

  • magnify

    emphasizes making something look or feel bigger than it is

反義詞
  • reduce

    to make smaller in size or effect

  • ease

    to make a problem or feeling less serious

文法句型

amplify + [feeling/risk/effect]

用法筆記

Distinct from sense 1: the object is abstract (a feeling, risk, problem, effect), not a sound. The increase is often unwanted or a side effect, not a deliberate action.

常見錯誤

❌Roya amplified her happiness when she got the job.
✅Roya's happiness grew when she got the job.
💡'amplify' usually takes an external force as subject, not the person feeling the emotion.

3. to say more about a statement, story, or idea by giving extra information or exp

3.動詞及物 / 不及物C2
釋義

to say more about a statement, story, or idea by giving extra information or explaining the smaller parts of it.

例句

The minister was asked to amplify her brief remarks about the new education policy.

amplify + remarks/statement (formal context)

Christopher amplified his point with two short stories from his time as a school nurse.

amplify + point + with [examples]

同義詞
  • elaborate

    more common in everyday English; often paired with 'on'

  • expand

    general; can also mean to make physically larger

  • expound

    very formal; usually about theories or ideas

反義詞
  • summarize

    to give the main points in a short form

  • condense

    to make a piece of writing or speech shorter

文法句型

amplify + [statement/point]

amplify on + [topic]

用法筆記

Formal; common in journalism, law, and academic writing. Often appears in passive constructions ('was asked to amplify') or with the preposition 'on'. Distinct from sense 2 in that the object is a piece of speech or writing, not a feeling.

常見錯誤

❌Linh amplified her homework with more questions.
✅Linh added more questions to her homework.
💡'amplify' in this sense applies to a statement, argument, or story, not to a task or object.