amplify

To make a sound louder or an electrical signal stronger.

• The microphone amplifies her voice.
• They amplified the music for the outdoor crowd.
• This circuit can amplify a weak electrical signal.

Similar words: boost, strengthen

Opposites: attenuate

Common phrases: amplify a sound, amplify a signal, amplify your voice

To make something bigger, stronger, or more noticeable.

• The delay amplified our worries.
• Social media can amplify a message quickly.
• Small mistakes may amplify the effects of a crisis.

Similar words: increase, intensify, magnify

Opposites: reduce, diminish

Common phrases: amplify an effect, amplify a message, amplify the impact

To add details or examples that explain something more fully.

• Please amplify your explanation with an example.
• He amplified his statement in a later interview.
• The extra notes amplify several points in the report.

How to use it: amplify something with something (She amplified her description with details about the setting.)

Similar words: expand, elaborate on

Opposites: condense

Common phrases: amplify a point, amplify a statement, amplify a description

To make an image bigger so its details are easier to see.

• The software can amplify the image.
• She amplified the photo to examine the tiny marks.
• Amplify this picture so we can see the lettering.

Similar words: enlarge, magnify

Opposites: shrink, reduce

Common phrases: amplify an image, amplify a photo, amplify the picture