magnify

/ˈmæɡnɪfaɪ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈmæɡnɪfaɪ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈmag-nə-ˌfī/ (ame, mw)

magnify — verb

  • magnifypresent simple I / you / we / they
  • magnifieshe / she / it
  • magnifiedpast simple
  • magnifying-ing form

1. to cause an object or image to appear bigger than its real size, usually with a

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to cause an object or image to appear bigger than its real size, usually with a lens, screen, or another viewing tool.

例句

Bao used the app to magnify the map before reading the tiny street names.

magnify + object for closer visual reading

Under the microscope, the cracked leaf vein looked magnified on the classroom screen.

passive: be magnified under a device

同義詞
  • enlarge

    can mean making a bigger copy, while 'magnify' stresses larger appearance during viewing

  • zoom in on

    more common for screens and cameras in everyday speech

  • blow up

    informal, often used for making a picture much larger

反義詞
  • reduce

    to make an image or copy smaller

  • shrink

    to become or make something smaller

文法句型

magnify + object

be magnified under/through + device

用法筆記

This sense is usually used for visual detail that becomes easier to inspect. The object is often a photo, map, screen image, or something seen through a lens.

常見錯誤

❌Please magnify on the photo a little more.
✅Please magnify the photo a little more.
💡'magnify' normally takes a direct object; use 'zoom in on' if you need the preposition.
❌The microscope enlarged the cells for us.
✅The microscope magnified the cells for us.
💡'magnify' is more specific when a device makes something appear larger for viewing.

2. to make a difficulty, mistake, or difference seem more serious or important than

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to make a difficulty, mistake, or difference seem more serious or important than the facts justify.

例句

One rude comment can magnify a small disagreement into a family argument.

magnify + issue + into + bigger result

Late-night headlines magnified the risk and left many parents alarmed.

同義詞
  • exaggerate

    more directly implies making something seem bigger than the truth

  • inflate

    often used for numbers, claims, or importance made artificially larger

  • overstate

    slightly more formal, especially for spoken or written claims

反義詞
  • downplay

    to make something seem less important than it is

  • minimize

    to reduce the apparent size or seriousness of something

文法句型

magnify + problem / risk / difference

magnify + object + into + result

用法筆記

This sense often suggests that attention, fear, or repeated talk makes something seem larger than it deserves. It commonly appears with words like 'problem', 'risk', 'difference', and 'effect'.

常見錯誤

❌The blogger magnified the good news from the hospital.
✅The blogger highlighted the good news from the hospital.
💡This sense usually means making something seem worse or bigger, not simply giving positive attention.
❌The article magnified at the safety problem.
✅The article magnified the safety problem.
💡This sense takes a direct object, not the preposition 'at'.

3. to increase the strength, volume, or effect of something, often by a device, mat

3.動詞及物C1
釋義

to increase the strength, volume, or effect of something, often by a device, material, or physical process.

例句

The old speaker magnified every drumbeat and shook the windows in the hall.

magnify + sound through equipment

Heat from the oven magnified the smell of garlic in the kitchen.

同義詞
  • amplify

    most common for boosting sound or electronic signals

  • intensify

    used when a feeling, smell, or effect becomes stronger

  • boost

    less formal, often used for strength, level, or performance

反義詞
  • weaken

    to make an effect or signal less strong

  • reduce

    to lower the strength, level, or size of something

文法句型

magnify + sound / signal / effect

magnify + object + through/by + process

用法筆記

Unlike sense 1, this sense is about increasing actual strength or intensity, not just visual size. It is more common in technical or descriptive writing than in everyday conversation.