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 This persistent looking is amplified as Riley scrolls Instagram, taking in every virtual body, and repeatedly deleting and reloading the app. Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 10 Apr. 2024 Offered as a spread of many small plates of various colors, textures, and temperatures, these dishes both absorbed and also amplified the pleasures of the drinks, and showcased the exceptional culinary craft of the chefs who prepared them. Jessica Carbone, Saveur, 3 Apr. 2024 Those nationwide worries feel amplified in California, where residents have been paying out more than most other Americans since long before new cost hikes. Mackenzie Mays, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2024 Because there was so much sadness in my life, and alcohol amplified it. Liz McNeil, Peoplemag, 2 Apr. 2024 Along the route, repeaters are installed at intervals to amplify the optical signal and ensure data can travel long distances without degradation. Robin Chataut, The Conversation, 1 Apr. 2024 The accounts sometimes amplified or repeated content from the Chinese influence campaign Spamouflage, which was first identified in 2019 and linked to an arm of the Ministry of Public Security. Steven Lee Myers, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2024 The flavor will have your taste buds tingling, amplified by the optimal criss-cross shape. Kara Peeler, Sunset Magazine, 30 Mar. 2024 Encounters on the Road amplified the fusion of music and culture by producing an experience that added excitement to Miami Music Week with a special performance by Wale. Quincy Green, Billboard, 28 Mar. 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 Apr. 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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