What does "amplify" mean?
Amplify: (Rhet.) To enlarge by addition or discussion; to treat copiously by adding particulars, illustrations, etc.; to expand; to make much of. Troilus and Cressida was written by a Lombard author, but much amplified by our English translator. Dryden.
Additional senses
- 2.To become larger. [Obs.] Strait was the way at first, withouten light, But further in did further amplify. Fairfax.
- 3.To speak largely or copiously; to be diffuse in argument or description; to dilate; to expatiate; -- often with on or upon. Watts. He must often enlarge and amplify upon the subject he handles. South.
Sources
- Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).
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- Published: 2026-07-17T00:00:00-07:00 · Modified: 2026-07-17T00:00:00-07:00