# amplifier

/ˈæmpɫəˌfaɪɝ/ (US) · /ˈæmplɪfˌaɪə/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/amplifier
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. electronic device

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a piece of electronic equipment that makes a sound or signal louder and stronger.

For teachers: an electronic device or circuit used to increase the power, voltage, or current of a signal.

- He plugged his electric guitar into the amplifier and started to play.
- The technician replaced the vacuum tubes in the vintage amplifier to restore the warm, distorted tone preferred by the lead guitarist.

Usage: Often shortened to 'amp' in casual conversation and technical contexts.

### 2. speaker cabinet

noun · CEFR B2

a large box that contains a speaker, used by musicians to make their instruments loud enough for an audience.

For teachers: a portable housing containing a loudspeaker and often an integrated power amplifier, used for live musical performance.

- The roadies carried the heavy amplifiers onto the stage before the concert.
- Stacking multiple amplifiers allowed the rock band to achieve the necessary sound pressure levels for the outdoor stadium performance.

### 4. linguistic intensifier

noun · CEFR C2 · Academic · Technical

a word like 'really' or 'very' that makes another word stronger.

For teachers: a modifier, typically an adverb, that increases the semantic intensity of the word it modifies.

- In the sentence 'I am so tired,' the word 'so' is an amplifier.
- The professor noted that the student's essay relied too heavily on amplifiers like 'totally' and 'completely' rather than using precise vocabulary.

Teaching tip: In general EFL contexts, 'intensifier' is the more common pedagogical term.

## Examples

- The amplifier makes the guitar sound louder.
- She connected her laptop to the amplifier to hear the presentation clearly.
- The vintage tube amplifier added a warm, rich texture to the recording that digital systems struggled to replicate.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.