amplify

verb

am·​pli·​fy ˈam-plə-ˌfī 

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

Synonyms

• develop
• dilate (on or upon)
• elaborate (on)
• enlarge (on or upon)
• expand
• flesh (out)

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

The integration of generative AI marks a significant technological advancement that can dramatically amplify the power of digital twins. —William Bain, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

It is filled with bias and designed to amplify the 'China threat' narrative only to justify the U.S.'s desire to maintain military supremacy. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024

Or, rather, not to make sense of, with YouTube videos and social media amplifying, rather than easing, the panic. —Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2024

The wealthiest man in the world used his social media platform X to amplify the unrest, and GOP lawmakers were besieged with phone calls to their offices telling them to oppose the plan. —Lisa Mascaro and Kevin Freking, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Dec. 2024

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

Kids Definition

amplify

verb

am·​pli·​fy ˈam-plə-ˌfī 

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 

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