magnify

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "magnify" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe making something larger, more impressive, or more important. For example, "The teacher attempted to magnify the importance of the lesson in the eyes of the students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

National branding will simply magnify this ignorance.

The Guardian

Funds can exploit small price movements, often caused by mundane news about, say, product development—and use derivatives to magnify gains.The case against Mr Rajaratnam is based in part on the novel use of wiretaps, a technique previously reserved for blue-collar criminals such as mobsters and terrorists.

The Economist

By leveraging Acumen's funds to obtain other financing, recipients are able to magnify their impact.

The Economist

Clever businesspeople have a tendency to be arrogant at the best of the times; telling them that they are masters of the universe can only magnify it.

The Economist

Yet smaller ships magnify the sense that if one member does not take his turn on watch, or does not put on a brave face when things are tough, he endangers the whole vessel.

The Economist

The long-term decline in the terms of trade of many primary commodities is itself a side-effect of innovation.Demographic pressures magnify the risks.

The Economist

A DEFINING feature in the diplomacy of Russia's president, Vladimir Putin, is to keep everyone guessing because he can use doubt to magnify his threats, conceal his weaknesses and gain the initiative.

The Economist

The second is that automation applied to an inefficient operation will magnify the inefficiency".

The Economist

Like Japanese kabuki theatre, in which characters use exaggerated gestures to energise the audience, the country's statistics unrealistically magnify both good news and bad.In this section Domino theory Naked self-interest German shepherding The brighter side Slow Canada Kabuki economics Fundamental questions Disciplinary measures ReprintsThe uncertainties do not end there.

The Economist

Such a test could rely on a technique known as "polymerase chain reaction" to magnify a small sample to the point where testing becomes relatively easy.

The Economist

"Derivatives should reduce risk, not magnify it," Mr Wolin told them.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "magnify" to emphasize the impact or consequences of an action or event. For example, 'Ignoring early warning signs can "magnify" the risk of a major crisis'.

Common error

Avoid using "magnify" when a simpler word like 'increase' or 'enlarge' would suffice. Overusing "magnify" can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "magnify" is as a transitive verb. It typically takes a direct object, indicating what is being made larger or more significant. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples where "magnify" is used to describe increasing size, impact, or intensity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Academic

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "magnify" functions as a verb used to denote the act of making something appear larger or more significant. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it's grammatically sound and versatile, appearing frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science sources. To use "magnify" effectively, focus on emphasizing impact and avoid overuse in simple descriptions. Remember that alternatives like "amplify" or "intensify" may be more appropriate depending on the intended nuance. By avoiding common errors and following best practices, you can confidently wield "magnify" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amplify

This term suggests increasing the intensity or volume, but can also mean to elaborate.

exaggerate

Implies stretching the truth or representing something beyond its actual size or importance.

intensify

Focuses on strengthening or deepening an effect, feeling, or quality.

enhance

Suggests improving the quality or desirability of something.

aggrandize

Implies making something seem greater or more important, often unduly.

inflate

Similar to exaggerate, but often used in the context of data or statistics.

augment

Means to add to something in order to improve it.

blow up

An informal expression for making something seem much more important than it is.

build up

To increase gradually or accumulate.

overstate

Represents something as being more important or serious than it really is.

FAQs

How can I use "magnify" in a sentence?

You can use "magnify" to describe making something appear larger, more important, or more intense. For instance, "The microscope "magnifies" the image, making it easier to see." or "The media coverage tended to "magnify" the negative aspects of the story."

What are some alternatives to "magnify"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "amplify", "exaggerate", "intensify", or "enhance".

Which is correct: "magnify" or "magnifies"?

"Magnify" is the base form of the verb. "Magnifies" is the third-person singular present tense form (e.g., "He "magnifies" the image"). Use "magnify" with plural subjects or in other verb forms (e.g., "They "magnify" the problem"; "to "magnify"").

What's the difference between "magnify" and "exaggerate"?

"Magnify" can mean to make something physically larger or to increase the importance or impact of something. "Exaggerate" specifically means to represent something as being larger, better, or worse than it really is; it often implies a distortion of the truth.