magnify

The story

1. Latin · derived frommagnificāre
2. Middle French · derived frommagnifier
3. Middle English · inherited frommagnifien
4. English todaymagnify

From Middle English magnifien, from Middle French magnifier, from Latin magnificāre, from magnificus.

First known use, by meaning

• from 14th c. To praise, glorify (someone or something, especially God).
• from 14th c. To make (something) larger or more important.
• from 17th c. To make (someone or something) appear greater or more important than it is; to intensify, exaggerate.
• from 17th c. To make (something) appear larger by means of a lens, magnifying glass, telescope etc.