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.

Origin of magnify

1350–1400; Middle English magnifien < Latin magnificāre. See magni-, -fy

OTHER WORDS FROM magnify

Example sentences from the Web for magnify

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 importance don't magnify your troubles
(tr) rare to increase in actual size
(tr) archaic to glorify

Derived forms of magnify

magnifiable, adjective

Word Origin for magnify

C14: via Old French from Latin magnificāre to praise; see magnific

Medical definitions for magnify

magnify
[ măgnə-fī′ ]

v.

To increase the apparent size of, especially with a lens.