Magnify/ˈmæɡnɪfaɪ/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Visual aid Used to describe the action of making something tiny look bigger so you can see details. Scientists often magnify bacteria to study them. Pro Tip 2/3Not literal Sometimes used metaphorically to suggest increasing something's influence or presence. The speaker's charisma magnified her message. Pro Tip 3/3Photography context In photography, magnify means to zoom in or enlarge an image for detail. You should magnify this part of the photo to see the expression.