magnifying

Increasing apparent size

Magnifying describes something that makes objects appear larger than they actually are, typically through optical means.

A magnifying glass uses a convex lens to enlarge the appearance of small objects or fine print.

Magnifying mirrors help with close-up tasks like applying makeup or shaving.

The word is the present participle of magnify, which beyond its optical sense can mean to increase the importance or severity of something: The report magnified the risks while downplaying the benefits.

enlarge

amplify

Increase in strength

enhancement · enlargement · increase · boost · augment · inflate · escalate · exaggerate · extend · broaden

optical

lens

Light-focusing curved glass

  • glassTransparent solid from sand
  • loupePocket-sized detail viewer
  • microscopeInstrument for viewing minute objects

optics · eyepiece · aperture · diopter · convex · refraction · Sherlock · monocle

examine

scrutinize

Inspect with close attention

observe · study · review · assess · evaluate · probe · peruse · investigate · survey · check

detail

close-up

Near-range photograph

definition · resolution · sharpness · minutiae · intricacy · nuance · subtlety · particulars · specifics · texture

Categories
Opposites
size/scale change

magnifyingshrinking

Decreasing in dimension

reducing · minimizing · diminishing · minifying · contracting

intensity/degree

magnifyingdiminishing

Becoming progressively less

reducing · decreasing · lessening · abating · weakening

importance/emphasis

magnifyingminimizing

Reducing to smallest extent

downplaying · understating · trivializing · de-emphasizing · belittling

Phrases
Family

magnifying glass, magnifying glasses

Familiarity
Top 50,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G