What is amplify? Pronunciation and usage in English

amplify means . Learn how to pronounce and use amplify through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of amplify

amplifyverb

/ˈæmplɪfaɪ//ˈæmplɪfaɪ/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "amplify." It's a tricky one for some! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word "amplify" is broken down into three syllables:

  • am - like the beginning of "amber"
  • pli - like "plee" (as in plead)
  • fy - like "fie" (a short, sharp sound, almost like "fee")

2. Sounds and Emphasis:

  • "am": Short and quick. Think of saying "am" as in "am I?"
  • "pli": This is the stressed syllable. Pronounce it with a clear "ee" sound – like "plee."
  • "fy": This is a soft, almost whispered sound. It's not a fully pronounced "f" sound, but more like a quick, breathy "fee." It trails off slightly.

3. Putting it Together:

The whole word should sound like: am-PLY-fy (with the emphasis on the "PLY" syllable)

4. Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say "am-pi-li-fy". That's a very common mistake.
  • Avoid a full "f" sound at the end. The "fy" is a quick, light sound.
  • Listen to examples: This is really helpful. Here are some resources:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a sentence using the word "amplify" so you can try saying it in context?

Usage and examples with the word amplify in English

Let's break down how to use the word "amplify" in English. It's a versatile word with multiple meanings, so understanding the context is key.

1. As a Verb (Most Common Usage):

  • Meaning 1: To increase the volume or intensity of something. This is the most frequent usage.

    • Example: "The microphone amplified his voice so everyone could hear him." (Increasing the volume)
    • Example: "The speaker amplified his message with strong emotional appeals." (Increasing the intensity - often referring to emotion, passion, or impact)
    • Example: "The new headphones amplify the bass, making the music sound richer." (Increasing a specific frequency)

  • Meaning 2: To make something more pronounced or emphasized. This can be used for ideas, signals, or effects.

    • Example: "The investigation amplified suspicions about the politician's involvement." (Making the suspicions more prominent.)
    • Example: "The press amplified the small issue into a national debate." (Highlighting and spreading the issue.)
    • Example: "The director amplified the tension during the scene by using close-ups and slow-motion." (Emphasizing the tension)

2. As an Adjective (Less Common):

  • Meaning: Capable of amplifying or increasing.
    • Example: "An amplifier is a device that can amplify sound." (A device designed to increase volume)
    • Example: “The company is using an amplifying strategy to reach a wider audience.” (Using a strategy intended to increase reach)

Here’s a breakdown with examples categorized by context:

A. Sound & Audio:

  • Increase Volume: “The technician amplified the signal to improve reception.”
  • Enhance Sound Quality: “The studio used digital amplification to add depth to the recording.”

B. Communication & Ideas:

  • Emphasize a Point: “The lawyer amplified her client’s defense by highlighting inconsistencies in the witness statements.”
  • Spread a Message: “The activist group amplified their message on social media to reach more people.”
  • Intensify a Feeling: “The movie amplified the audience’s emotions with its powerful soundtrack.”

C. Technology & Science:

  • Electronic Amplification: “The amplifier boosted the weak radio signal.”
  • Scientific Amplification: “Researchers are trying to amplify the signals generated by the experiment.”

Tips for Using “Amplify” Effectively:

  • Consider the Context: Pay close attention to what is being amplified. Is it a sound, an idea, a feeling, or something else?
  • Synonyms: Sometimes “amplify” can sound a bit formal. Consider these alternatives:
    • Increase: (For volume/intensity) – "The volume was increased."
    • Emphasize: (For ideas/messages) - “He emphasized the importance of teamwork.”
    • Highlight: (For specific features) – "The report highlighted the key findings."
    • Boost: (Often for performance or effects) - “The software boosted the image quality.”

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to say or write? (A sentence, a paragraph, an email, etc.)
  • What is being amplified? (e.g., a sound, an opinion, a signal, an emotion?)

Synonyms for the word amplify

Practice with vocabulary amplify

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. To ensure that the crucial message reached all stakeholders, the CEO decided to ________ its distribution through multiple digital channels.
  2. The latest research findings are expected to ________ the ongoing debate about climate change, bringing new data to the discussion.
  3. The marketing team decided to ________ their efforts by focusing on social media influencers, hoping to reach a wider, engaged audience.
  4. His dramatic retelling of the minor incident tended to ________ the actual events, making them seem far more sensational than they were.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following actions could help to ________ the impact of our public awareness campaign? (Select all that apply) A) dilute B) diminish C) amplify D) strengthen

  2. The new economic policy is designed to ________ financial stability across the region. A) undermine B) deteriorate C) enhance D) impair

  3. How might a journalist ________ the voices of marginalized communities in their reporting? (Select all that apply) A) suppress B) disregard C) highlight D) amplify

  4. Before the main presentation, the technical crew needed to ________ the microphone volume to ensure everyone in the large hall could hear clearly. A) mute B) dampen C) amplify D) lower

  5. To better compete in the global market, the company plans to ________ its research and development department, investing heavily in new technologies. A) contract B) restrict C) expand D) curtail

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The CEO's announcement made the rumors about the company's financial troubles much worse. Rewrite using a form of "amplify":

  2. The small disagreement between the team members became a significant conflict after being discussed on the public forum. Rewrite using a form of "amplify":

  3. His timely intervention helped to improve the team's morale significantly during the challenging project. Rewrite the sentence, without using "amplify":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. amplify
  2. amplify
  3. intensify
  4. exaggerate

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) amplify, D) strengthen
  2. C) enhance
  3. C) highlight, D) amplify
  4. C) amplify
  5. C) expand

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The CEO's announcement amplified the rumors about the company's financial troubles.
  2. The small disagreement between the team members was amplified into a significant conflict after being discussed on the public forum.
  3. His timely intervention helped to boost the team's morale significantly during the challenging project.

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