amplifier
gb/ˈæmpləfˌaɪɚ/ us/ˈæmpləfˌaɪɚ/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
entity
1
device that makes sound louder
a machine that makes sound louder
Usage pattern:
an amplifier (for) [speakers/headphones/instrument]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse an amplifier (which boosts the signal) with a loudspeaker (which produces the sound).
Synonyms
amp (Informal short form, common in music and audio.)
Antonyms
attenuator (A device that reduces signal level rather than increasing it.)
Collocations
audio amplifier
|stereo amplifier
|guitar amplifier
|bass amplifier
|headphone amplifier
|integrated amplifier
|tube amplifier
|solid-state amplifier
|turn up the amplifier
|plug into an amplifier
Themes
technology
|music
|electronics
Examples
- He connected the turntable to the amplifier and then to the speakers.
- The guitarist turned the amplifier up until the room shook.
- This headphone amplifier gives cleaner sound at higher volumes.
Learner examples
- The amplifier makes the music louder.
- I need an amplifier for these speakers.
Noun
technical
C1
entity
2
circuit that boosts a signal
an electronic part that makes a signal stronger
Usage pattern:
an amplifier for [signal/frequency/band]
Common mistake:
In technical contexts, an amplifier strengthens an existing signal; it does not create a new signal from nothing.
Synonyms
signal booster (Common in everyday tech talk, often for wireless or TV signals.)
Antonyms
signal attenuator (A component used to reduce a signal level.)
Collocations
signal amplifier
|power amplifier
|voltage amplifier
|current amplifier
|RF amplifier
|low-noise amplifier
|operational amplifier
|amplifier gain
|amplifier circuit
|amplifier stage
Themes
technology
|electronics
|engineering
Examples
- The receiver uses an amplifier to strengthen the weak radio signal.
- A low-noise amplifier is placed near the antenna to reduce interference.
- The sensor output was too small, so they added an amplifier circuit.
Learner examples
- This amplifier makes the signal stronger.
Noun
C1
entity
3
thing that increases an effect
something that makes an effect stronger
Usage pattern:
[something] is an amplifier of [something]
Common mistake:
In this figurative sense, amplifier is usually used with abstract nouns (e.g., stress, conflict), not with physical sound.
Synonyms
catalyst (Suggests speeding up change or triggering it, not just making it louder/stronger.)
|
intensifier (Emphasizes increased intensity; common in general writing.)
Antonyms
dampener (Something that reduces intensity or enthusiasm.)
Collocations
an amplifier of fear
|an amplifier of conflict
|an amplifier of inequality
|a powerful amplifier
|a major amplifier
|social media as an amplifier
|an amplifier effect
Themes
society
|communication
|emotions
Examples
- Social media can be an amplifier of both good information and harmful rumors.
- Long-term stress acts as an amplifier of minor health problems.
- The tight deadline became an amplifier for tensions within the team.
Learner examples
- Bad news can be an amplifier of fear.
Noun
B2
entity
4
device that boosts a weak signal
a device that makes a weak signal stronger
Usage pattern:
an amplifier for [TV/Wi‑Fi/cell signal]
Common mistake:
People often call these 'amplifiers' even when the product name is 'booster' or 'repeater'.
Synonyms
booster (More common in consumer products (e.g., Wi‑Fi booster, cell booster).)
|
repeater (Typically re-transmits a signal rather than simply increasing its level.)
Antonyms
blocker (Something that prevents signals from passing through.)
Collocations
TV signal amplifier
|antenna amplifier
|Wi‑Fi amplifier
|cell signal amplifier
|indoor amplifier
|install an amplifier
|need an amplifier
|use an amplifier with an antenna
Themes
technology
|daily_life
|telecommunications
Examples
- We bought a TV signal amplifier because the reception was poor.
- A small antenna amplifier improved the picture quality immediately.
- In rural areas, a cell-signal amplifier can help you get a stable connection.
Learner examples
- We use an amplifier to get a stronger signal.
Grammar
Dictionary form
amplifier
IPA
GB/ˈæmpləfˌaɪɚ/
US/ˈæmpləfˌaɪɚ/
Syllables & stress
amp - li - fi - er (4 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (amp)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: amplifier
- Plural: amplifier, amplifiers
Word family
Forms
amplifiers
noun
Core family
amplify
verb B2
amplification
noun C1
Negative and opposite forms
unamplified
adjective
Expressions
audio amplifier
1/ˈɔdioʊ ˈæmpləfˌaɪɚ/
fixed phrase
amplifier for sound signals
an amplifier used for sound
Examples
- An audio amplifier sits between the source and the speakers.
- This audio amplifier has separate controls for bass and treble.
- They chose an audio amplifier with enough power for outdoor events.
guitar amplifier
1/ɡɪtˈɑɹ ˈæmpləfˌaɪɚ/
fixed phrase
amp for an electric guitar
an amplifier for an electric guitar
Examples
- She plugged her Strat into a guitar amplifier and tested a few chords.
- A small guitar amplifier is enough for practice at home.
- He mic’d the guitar amplifier for the live recording.
integrated amplifier
1/ˈɪntɪɡɹˌeɪtɪd ˈæmpləfˌaɪɚ/
fixed phrase
amp combining preamp and power amp
one unit that does two amplifier jobs
Examples
- An integrated amplifier is a simple choice if you don’t want separate components.
- He bought an integrated amplifier with a built-in phono stage.
- The integrated amplifier has enough power for bookshelf speakers.
operational amplifier
1/ˌɑpɚˈeɪʃənəl ˈæmpləfˌaɪɚ/
fixed phrase
technical
high-gain analog circuit component
an electronic part used in many circuits
Examples
- The filter is built around an operational amplifier with feedback resistors.
- An operational amplifier can be configured as a buffer to prevent signal loss.
- She learned the basics of operational amplifiers in her first electronics class.
power amplifier
1/pˈaʊɚ ˈæmpləfˌaɪɚ/
fixed phrase
technical
amplifier that drives speakers
an amplifier that gives high output power
Examples
- The system uses a separate power amplifier for the main speakers.
- In a transmitter, the power amplifier boosts the signal before it reaches the antenna.
- They replaced the power amplifier after it started overheating.
signal amplifier
1/sˈɪɡnəl ˈæmpləfˌaɪɚ/
fixed phrase
device that strengthens a signal
a device that makes a signal stronger
Examples
- A signal amplifier can help if your antenna cable run is very long.
- They installed a signal amplifier to reduce dropouts in the conference room.
- This signal amplifier is designed for indoor use only.