amplification
am-plih-fih-KEY-shun
/ˌæmplɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/
The process of increasing the volume, magnitude, or intensity of sound or an electronic signal.
In music, specifically refers to making instruments or voices louder using electronic hardware.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'amplificatio', built from 'amplus' (large) and 'facere' (to make). Originally used in speech rhetoric to mean elaborating on an argument, it took on electrical audio meaning in the 1920s.
Word relationships
- sound boosting: 'Boosting' is informal, while 'amplification' is technical audio terminology.
- attenuation: Reduction of signal or sound strength.
Commonly confused with
- amplifier: An amplifier is the physical device; amplification is the action or process.
Word family
- amplify (verb): to increase sound volume or signal power
- amplifier (noun): electronic hardware used to amplify sound
Collocations
- sound amplification
- electronic amplification
- signal amplification
- require amplification
Example sentences
- "Without electronic amplification, the delicate sound of the acoustic guitar would be drowned out by the drums." Music venue
- "The sound engineer adjusted the amplification to prevent distortion through the speakers." Sound engineering
Memory hook
AMPLIFICATION makes sounds AMPLE in volume. AMPLIFICATION = making sound louder.
When not to use
Do not use to describe unassisted vocal projection.
Fun facts
- Lee de Forest invented the vacuum tube amplifier in 1906, laying the foundation for modern rock concerts.
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