amplify

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive

   To make a sound or signal louder or stronger, usually with equipment.

   Grammar: Takes an object: amplify the sound.

   Patterns

   • amplify something

   The speakers amplify his voice across the hall.

   This device amplifies weak radio signals.

   The guitarist used a pedal to amplify the tone.

2. 2verbtransitivefigurative

   To increase the effect, size or importance of something.

   Grammar: Often used figuratively with ideas, feelings or problems.

   Patterns

   • amplify something

   Social media can amplify rumors quickly.

   The crisis amplified existing tensions.

   Hunger amplifies stress.

3. 3verbtransitive or intransitiveformal

   To add more detail to a statement or explanation.

   Grammar: Often followed by on: amplify on your answer.

   Patterns

   • amplify on something

   Could you amplify your last point?

   She amplified on her plan in the second paragraph.

Word forms

Common combinations

amplify a voice

The campaign aims to amplify local voices.

amplify a signal

A booster can amplify the Wi-Fi signal.

amplify the effect

Rain amplified the effect of the heat.

amplify concerns

The report amplified concerns.

amplify the sound

The hall's walls amplify the sound.

Synonyms and how they differ

magnify

Magnify suggests making things look or seem larger, whereas amplify is about sound or strength.

boost

Boost is informal and suggests a lift rather than an exact increase in volume.

intensify

Intensify focuses on feelings or conditions becoming stronger.

enlarge

Enlarge is about physical size and not strength or volume.

Opposites

Word family

amplifier noun

a device that makes sound stronger

amplification noun

the act or process of making stronger

ample adjective

more than enough

amplitude noun

the size of a wave

Commonly confused: amplify or ample?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “amplify”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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