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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Magnify \Mag"ni*fy\, verb (used with an object) [imp. & p. p. {Magnified}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Magnifying}.] [OE. magnifien, F. magnifier, L. magnificare. See {Magnific}.]
1. To make great, or greater; to increase the dimensions of; to amplify; to enlarge, either in fact or in appearance; as, the microscope magnifies the object by a thousand diameters.
The least error in a small quantity . . . will in a great one . . . be proportionately magnified. --Grew.
2. To increase the importance of; to augment the esteem or respect in which one is held.
On that day the Lord magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel. --Joshua iv. 14.
3. To praise highly; to laud; to extol. [Archaic]
O, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. --Ps. xxxiv. 3.
4. To exaggerate; as, to magnify a loss or a difficulty.
{To magnify one's self} (Script.), to exhibit pride and haughtiness; to boast.
{To magnify one's self against} (Script.), to oppose with pride.
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Definitions retrieved from local copies of the freely distributed DICT client/server software and databases. Click here for database copyright information. - KM |