amplify

verb

am·​pli·​fy ˈam-plə-ˌfī How to pronounce amplify (audio)
amplified; amplifying

transitive verb

1
: to expand (something, such as a statement) by the use of detail or illustration or by closer analysis
2
a
: to make larger or greater (as in amount, importance, or intensity) : increase
b
: to increase the strength or amount of
especially : to make louder
c
: to cause (a gene or DNA sequence) to undergo amplification

intransitive verb

: to expand one's remarks or ideas
Choose the Right Synonym for amplify

expand, amplify, swell, distend, inflate, dilate mean to increase in size or volume.

expand may apply regardless of the manner of increase (such as growth, unfolding, addition of parts).

a business that expands every year

amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate.

amplify the statement with details

swell implies gradual expansion beyond a thing's original or normal limits.

the bureaucracy swelled to unmanageable proportions

distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within.

a distended abdomen

inflate implies expanding by introduction of air or something insubstantial and suggests a vulnerability to sudden collapse.

an inflated ego

dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference.

dilated pupils

Examples of amplify in a Sentence

amplify a weak radio signal a receiver that amplified the television signal using spices to amplify the flavors of the food
Recent Examples on the Web In this collection, black is amplified, used to ponder Valentino’s signs and signifiers: rosettes, ruffles, embroidery and lace. Pino Gagliardi, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Mar. 2024 In the 10 years of the Top 10 program, our list has helped amplify Detroit-area restaurants and chefs both locally and on a national stage. Detroit Free Press, 5 Mar. 2024 The Eastern Congo Initiative gives to effective Congolese community organizations, and helps to amplify their voices by advocating for their needs internationally. Amel Mukhtar, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2024 Vivienne Westwood, who died in December 2022, has long been recognized as a vanguard of the fashion industry — pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable, even at times what was wearable, and using her platform to amplify discussions on climate change and over-consumption. Leah Dolan, CNN, 4 Mar. 2024 In any Administration, there is a tendency to amplify the good news and obscure the bad. Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024 This model not only amplifies the tangible benefits to communities but also allows employees to build a shared sense of purpose which will ultimately trickle down to retention and job satisfaction. Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 It’s amplified in the tree boughs and joined by gentle insect songs. Ryan Ballogg, Miami Herald, 29 Feb. 2024 Moreover, major interstates like I-94 and I-90 serve as common accident sites, amplifying the risk of collisions. Chris Gallagher, Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'amplify.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English amplifien "to enlarge, increase," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French amplifier, borrowed from Latin amplificāre "to increase the size of, augment," from amplus "more than adequate in size or extent, ample" + -i- -i- + -ficāre -fy

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of amplify was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near amplify

Cite this Entry

“Amplify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amplify. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

amplify

verb
am·​pli·​fy ˈam-plə-ˌfī How to pronounce amplify (audio)
amplified; amplifying
1
: enlarge sense 2
especially : to add details or illustrations to
amplify a statement
2
: to increase (voltage, current, or power) in magnitude or strength

Medical Definition

amplify

transitive verb
am·​pli·​fy -ˌfī How to pronounce amplify (audio)
amplified; amplifying
1
: to make larger or greater (as in amount or intensity)
2
: to increase the strength or amount of
especially : to make louder
3
: to cause (a gene or DNA sequence) to undergo amplification

More from Merriam-Webster on amplify

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