microscope: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Semi-Formal to Technical
Quick answer
What does “microscope” mean?
An optical instrument with a lens or combination of lenses for viewing very small objects, magnified hundreds or thousands of times.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An optical instrument with a lens or combination of lenses for viewing very small objects, magnified hundreds or thousands of times.
Any instrument or method used for detailed examination or investigation, especially of things not normally visible to the naked eye (e.g., public scrutiny, analysis).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and pronunciation differ slightly. No significant difference in meaning or usage patterns.
Connotations
Both share the same literal scientific and figurative connotations. No region-specific cultural connotations.
Frequency
Equally common in both academic/scientific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “microscope” in a Sentence
N + (prep.) under (the) + microscopeV (examine, view, place) + N + under + microscopeAdj. (powerful, digital) + microscopeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “microscope” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The lab technician will microscope the sample to check for pathogens. (Rare, technical)
American English
- Researchers needed to microscope the tissue at 1000x magnification. (Rare, technical)
adverb
British English
- Not a standard adverbial form. Use 'microscopically'. (e.g., examined microscopically)
American English
- Not a standard adverbial form. Use 'microscopically'. (e.g., viewed microscopically)
adjective
British English
- The microscope slide was carefully prepared. (Compound adjective)
American English
- We need better microscope imaging software. (Compound adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used literally. Figuratively: 'The company's finances are under the microscope after the scandal.'
Academic
Common in biology, chemistry, medicine, materials science. Both literal and figurative use.
Everyday
Figurative use predominates. May be used literally by students/hobbyists.
Technical
Specific types: electron, scanning-tunneling, fluorescence microscope. Precise terminology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “microscope”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “microscope”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “microscope”
- Incorrect spelling: 'microsope' (missing 'c').
- Confusion with 'telescope'.
- Using 'under microscope' without the definite article in figurative sense (e.g., 'under the microscope').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely and only in highly technical contexts. It is not standard in everyday English.
A microscope typically has much higher magnification (hundreds or thousands of times) and is used for viewing objects invisible to the naked eye. A magnifying glass offers lower magnification (2x-10x) for enlarging visible details.
Use it to mean 'being closely and critically examined.' It usually follows verbs like 'be,' 'come,' 'place,' or 'put.' Example: 'Her performance was put under the microscope.'
Yes, the final vowel sound differs. British: /skəʊp/ (rhymes with 'hope'). American: /skoʊp/ (same rhyme, but a distinct diphthong).
An optical instrument with a lens or combination of lenses for viewing very small objects, magnified hundreds or thousands of times.
Microscope is usually semi-formal to technical in register.
Microscope: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪ.krə.skəʊp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪ.krə.skoʊp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “under the microscope (subject to intense scrutiny)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MICRO' (small) + 'SCOPE' (to look) = an instrument to look at very small things.
Conceptual Metaphor
SCRUTINY/ANALYSIS IS MAGNIFICATION (e.g., 'put the plan under the microscope').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a common type of microscope?