Definition:
“Amplification involves extending a sentence or phrase in order to further explain, emphasize, or exaggerate certain points of a definition, description, or argument.”
"Amplification." Literary Terms, literaryterms.net/amplification/. Accessed 1 Sept. 2022.
Informal Definition:
An author may expand on a sentence or idea to make it appear stronger by providing more information or using bolder words.
Example: “I think I’m getting sick—I’ve been experiencing terrible headaches and drainage, and I’ve just begun to develop a sore throat as well.”
[The author provides more information regarding the sickness to provide stronger argument]
"Amplification." Literary Terms, literaryterms.net/amplification/. Accessed 1 Sept. 2022.
Etymology:
From the Latin words amplus, meaning “large”, and facere, meaning “to make”. The English definition from 1915 stating, "enlargement of sound by electrical technology" is from 1915.
Harper, Douglas. "amplification (n.)." Online Etymology Dictionary, www.etymonline.com/word/amplification. Accessed 1 Sept. 2022.
Taylor P.