magnify it

[MAG-nuh-fy it]
verb phrase
amplificar isso; magnificar isso; aumentar isso
1. To make something appear larger or more significant than it actually is; to exaggerate or enlarge
Don't magnify it; the problem is smaller than you think.
Não amplifique isso; o problema é menor do que você pensa.
2. To use a magnifying glass or optical instrument to make something appear larger
Let me magnify it so you can see the details better.
Deixa eu ampliar isso para você ver os detalhes melhor.
3. To increase the importance or impact of something; to emphasize
The media tends to magnify it when celebrities make mistakes.
A mídia tende a magnificar isso quando celebridades cometem erros.
In American English, 'magnify it' is commonly used both literally (with optical instruments) and figuratively (to exaggerate problems or situations). In Brazilian Portuguese, 'amplificar' is the standard translation for both contexts, though 'aumentar' is more specific for physical enlargement. The phrase reflects a tendency in English to use scientific/technical terms metaphorically for psychological or social phenomena.
NYC Slang
blow it up; make a big deal out of it
Synonyms / Sinônimos
enlarge itexaggerate itblow it out of proportionamplify itoverstate itemphasize it
Antonyms / Antônimos
minimize itdownplay itdiminish itreduce itunderstate it

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
amplificar isso
Most common translation for both literal and figurative meanings
General Brazilian
aumentar isso
Used for literal enlargement or increase in size
Rio de Janeiro
ampliar isso
Common alternative, slightly more casual
Portugal
amplificar isso; magnificar isso
Similar usage to Brazilian Portuguese

Related Words

magnifying glassmagnificationmagnifiedmagnifieroptical zoom

Related Idioms & Phrases

magnify something out of all proportion
magnify a problem
make a mountain out of a molehill
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