zoom in
/zuːm ɪn/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To make a picture or view look closer or larger, usually with a camera, screen, or app. It can also mean to focus on one small part of something.
- Can you zoom in on the map?
- I zoomed in to read the label.
- The camera zooms in on her face.
Adinary Nuance
Zoom in is about changing the view so something looks closer or bigger. It is different from look at or focus on, which do not necessarily change the size of the image. In writing about devices, zoom in is the natural choice for cameras, phones, and maps.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- phóng to
- Spanish
- acercar
- Chinese
- 放大
- Japanese
- 拡大する
- Korean
- 확대하다
Etymology
Zoom entered English in the 20th century from the sound word "zoom." The phrase "zoom in" developed with cameras and later with digital screens and maps.
Common phrases
zoom in onzoom in closerzoom in quickly
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is "zoom in" formal or informal?
- It is neutral and common in everyday speech, apps, and technical writing.
- What is the difference between "zoom in" and "focus on"?
- Zoom in changes the view. Focus on means pay more attention to one part.
- Can I use "zoom in" in academic writing?
- Yes, when you describe images, maps, charts, or screen views.