# magnify

/ˈmæɡnəˌfaɪ/ (US) · /mˈæɡnɪfˌaɪ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/magnify
Updated: 2026-05-27

## Definition

to make something look larger or seem more important than it really is. You use this when talking about using a glass to see small things, or when a problem becomes bigger because of other factors.

For teachers: to increase the apparent size of an object through an optical instrument; by extension, to increase the importance, intensity, or effect of something. Transitive — requires a direct object.

## Examples

- The microscope helps you magnify tiny cells.
- The bright lights in the room began to magnify the small cracks in the ceiling, making them look much worse than they were.
- While the initial error was minor, the lack of communication between departments served to magnify the problem, eventually leading to a total system failure.

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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.