Word
amplify
Phoneticsam·pli·fy, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈæmpɫəˌfaɪ/
UK/ˈæmplɪfˌaɪ/
Definition
v. to make something louder or stronger. You can use it for sounds or for making an idea more powerful.
v. to increase the volume of a sound or the intensity of an effect; to expand on a statement with more detail.
Examples
“The speakers amplify the sound of the guitar.”
“Social media can quickly amplify a small rumor until it becomes a major news story.”
“The author uses vivid imagery to amplify the sense of isolation felt by the protagonist throughout the novel's final chapters.”
Examples
simple
“The speakers amplify the sound of the guitar.”
contextual
“Social media can quickly amplify a small rumor until it becomes a major news story.”
complex
“The author uses vivid imagery to amplify the sense of isolation felt by the protagonist throughout the novel's final chapters.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“Together, they reflect our ambition to create a museum that amplifies community, creates new opportunities and helps define the future.” “They used peppery spices to amplify or temper the key ingredients allowed them.” Etymology
From Middle English amplifiyen, from Old French amplifier, from Latin amplificare (“to enlarge”), from amplus (“large”) + facere (“to make”). See ample , equivalent to ample + -ify.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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