B2verbsciencepsychology
US/ˈmæɡ.nə.faɪ/
UK/ˈmæɡ.nɪ.faɪ/
to make something look bigger, or to make something seem or become more serious
In context
The scientist used a microscope to magnify the tiny insect a hundred times.
Social media can magnify small disagreements into huge public arguments.
The empty room magnified the sound of every footstep.
Words that go with magnify
verb + noun
- magnify the imageThis lens will magnify the image ten times.
- magnify the effectPoor sleep can magnify the effect of stress.
- magnify the problemStress can magnify the problem even when it is actually quite small.
- magnify the riskDelays magnify the risk of infection.
- magnify the soundThe walls magnify the sound of the music.
adverb + verb
- greatly magnifyFear can greatly magnify small dangers.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The lens magnify the image.Correct: The lens magnifies the image.