amplifier: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Most common in technical and everyday (musical/audio) contexts; metaphorical use is more formal or literary.
Quick answer
What does “amplifier” mean?
An electronic device that increases the power, voltage, or amplitude of a signal, most commonly an audio signal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An electronic device that increases the power, voltage, or amplitude of a signal, most commonly an audio signal.
Any agent or object that intensifies, increases the strength of, or makes something more noticeable. This can include linguistic devices, ideas, technologies, or situations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and pronunciation differ slightly. No significant difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Identical. Primarily technical or related to music/audio equipment.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, given the global nature of technology and music.
Grammar
How to Use “amplifier” in a Sentence
The [NOUN] needs an amplifier.He played through a [ADJ] amplifier.The amplifier [VERB] the signal.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in marketing for audio products or metaphorically: 'The campaign was a brand amplifier.'
Academic
Common in physics, engineering, and electronics papers.
Everyday
Common in contexts related to music, concerts, home stereo systems, and guitars.
Technical
The primary context. Refers to specific electronic components and circuits.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “amplifier”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “amplifier”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amplifier”
- Using 'amplifier' to mean 'loudspeaker'. (An amplifier powers the speaker; they are separate units.)
- Misspelling as 'amplifire' or 'amplifyer'.
- Incorrect verb use: 'He amplified the speaker' (should be 'He amplified the sound through the speaker').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'amp' is a very common and accepted informal short form, especially in musical contexts (e.g., 'guitar amp').
An amplifier is an electronic device that strengthens the audio signal. A speaker (or loudspeaker) is a transducer that converts that amplified electrical signal into actual sound waves you can hear.
Yes, metaphorically. It can describe anything that intensifies or magnifies an effect, idea, or emotion (e.g., 'Rumours are an amplifier of fear').
A preamplifier ('preamp') prepares a weak signal (e.g., from a microphone) for further processing. A power amplifier takes that processed signal and provides the high power needed to drive loudspeakers.
An electronic device that increases the power, voltage, or amplitude of a signal, most commonly an audio signal.
Amplifier is usually most common in technical and everyday (musical/audio) contexts; metaphorical use is more formal or literary. in register.
Amplifier: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæm.plɪ.faɪ.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæm.plə.faɪ.ər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's not the guitar, it's the amplifier. (Meaning: The tool/enhancer is more important than the source)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'AMPLI-fier' – it makes things AMPLI-fied (larger and louder).
Conceptual Metaphor
A MACHINE/TOOL FOR MAKING SOMETHING MORE POWERFUL OR INTENSE (e.g., 'Social media is an amplifier for public opinion.')
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the core function of an amplifier?