magnify

Everyday

1. To make something look bigger than it really is, using a lens or microscope. tree →
2. To make something seem bigger, more important or worse than it really is. tree →

In the lessons

In science, a magnifying glass (hand lens) magnifies minibeasts, leaves, crystals and fingerprints; a microscope magnifies cells many times. «Magnified ten times» (×10) means it looks ten times bigger in length. In safety, never look at the Sun through a magnifying glass, and a lens in sunlight can start a fire. Phrases: «magnifying glass», «magnified ×10», «magnify a problem».

Examples

• Use a magnifying glass to look at the ant. tree →
• The microscope magnifies the onion cells 100 times. tree →
• Under the lens, the snowflake was magnified. tree →
• Never use a magnifying glass to look at the Sun. tree →
• A magnifying glass in sunlight can start a fire. tree →
• Worrying can magnify a small problem. tree →
• The picture of the flea was magnified to fill the page. tree →
• Detectives use magnifying glasses to look for clues. tree →
• Those who do not like him, magnify it, shrug up their shoulders, and exclaim--there he is again! tree →

Note

Spelling: magnify, magnifies, magnified (y → ie), magnifying (keeps y). Noun: «magnification». In maths, «×3 magnification» means lengths are 3 times bigger: a 2 mm insect looks 6 mm long. The object does not really grow.

In Jewish tradition

To magnify the LORD means to praise Him and declare how great He is. It does not mean to make Him bigger. Sometimes it means to act proudly against someone.

Interpretation. The Psalms call on people to declare God's greatness together in worship and praise. Boasting or acting proud against others is seen as a fault.

Examples

• Remember that thou magnify His work, whereof men have sung. (Writings JOB.36.24, JPS 1917) tree →
• O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together. (Writings PSA.34.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• If indeed ye will magnify yourselves against me, and plead against me my reproach; (Writings JOB.19.5, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Spelling: magnify, magnifies, magnified (y → ie), magnifying (keeps y). Noun: «magnification». In maths, «×3 magnification» means lengths are 3 times bigger: a 2 mm insect looks 6 mm long. The object does not really grow.