multiply
To increase a number or quantity by a significant factor, often by performing mathematical multiplication. It can also mean to increase or cause to increase greatly in number or quantity.
'Multiply' means to increase significantly in number or quantity, either through mathematical operation or rapid growth.
Mot en 30 secondes
- To increase greatly in number or quantity.
- Used in math for multiplication (e.g., 3 x 4 = 12).
- Describes rapid growth or spread.
Summary
'Multiply' means to increase significantly in number or quantity, either through mathematical operation or rapid growth.
- To increase greatly in number or quantity.
- Used in math for multiplication (e.g., 3 x 4 = 12).
- Describes rapid growth or spread.
Think of rapid growth
When you hear 'multiply', imagine something getting numerous very quickly, like rabbits in a field or stars in the sky.
Distinguish math vs. general use
Be aware if 'multiply' refers to the specific mathematical operation or a general, rapid increase in quantity.
Population growth concepts
The concept of multiplying is fundamental to understanding population dynamics, both in biology and social sciences.
Exemples
4 sur 4If you multiply 5 by 6, you get 30.
The bacteria were able to multiply rapidly in the warm environment.
After the success of the first store, they decided to multiply their efforts and open more branches.
The problems seemed to multiply after the initial setback.
Famille de mots
Astuce mémo
Imagine a mother rabbit having many babies, and then those babies having more babies – the number grows very fast, like multiplying!
**Overview**
The word 'multiply' primarily refers to the mathematical operation of multiplying, where one number is added to itself a specified number of times. For example, 3 multiplied by 4 (3 x 4) means adding 3 four times (3 + 3 + 3 + 3), which equals 12. Beyond mathematics, 'multiply' is used more broadly to describe a rapid increase in the number or amount of something. This can apply to populations, ideas, businesses, or even physical objects.
**Usage Patterns**
As a verb, 'multiply' can be used transitively (taking an object) or intransitively (without an object). Transitively, it often appears with 'by' to indicate the factor of increase or the operation being performed. For example, “The bacteria multiplied by ten overnight.” Intransitively, it signifies a general increase. For instance, “The rabbits began to multiply in the fields.” It's commonly used in contexts discussing growth, expansion, and reproduction.
**Common Contexts**
You'll frequently encounter 'multiply' in educational settings, especially in math classes. In science, it's used to describe population growth (e.g., bacteria, cells) or the spread of something. In business, it can refer to expanding operations or increasing profits. In everyday language, it might describe how quickly something has become more numerous, like “The opportunities seemed to multiply after she got the promotion.”
**Similar Words Comparison**:
- Increase: A more general term for becoming or making larger. 'Multiply' implies a more significant or rapid increase, often through a process of reproduction or repeated addition.
- Grow: Similar to 'increase', but often suggests a natural, organic development. 'Multiply' can be more about a rapid surge in numbers.
- Expand: Focuses on increasing in size, scope, or extent. While related to an increase in quantity, 'expand' doesn't always mean a rise in the number of individual units.
- Reproduce: Specifically relates to the biological process of creating offspring, leading to an increase in population. 'Multiply' is a broader term that can encompass reproduction but also other forms of numerical growth.
Notes d'usage
In mathematics, 'multiply' refers to a specific operation (e.g., 'multiply the numbers'). In general contexts, it implies a rapid increase in quantity ('opportunities multiplied'). The context usually makes the meaning clear. Be mindful of the distinction between the precise mathematical term and its broader figurative use.
Erreurs courantes
Avoid using 'multiply' when a simple 'increase' or 'add' would suffice, as 'multiply' suggests a significant or rapid rise. Also, ensure correct prepositions are used, like 'multiply by X' for the mathematical operation.
Astuce mémo
Imagine a mother rabbit having many babies, and then those babies having more babies – the number grows very fast, like multiplying!
Origine du mot
The word 'multiply' comes from the Latin 'multiplicare', meaning 'to make many'. It's derived from 'multus' (many) and 'plicare' (to fold).
Contexte culturel
The concept of multiplication is fundamental to economic growth, population studies, and understanding exponential trends, which are significant in many societal discussions.
Exemples
If you multiply 5 by 6, you get 30.
academicThe bacteria were able to multiply rapidly in the warm environment.
scientificAfter the success of the first store, they decided to multiply their efforts and open more branches.
businessThe problems seemed to multiply after the initial setback.
everydayFamille de mots
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
multiply choice
multiply by ten
multiply the possibilities
Souvent confondu avec
'Increase' is a general term for becoming or making larger. 'Multiply' specifically implies a significant, often rapid, rise in number or quantity, frequently through a process akin to repeated addition or reproduction.
'Divide' is the inverse mathematical operation of multiplication, meaning to split into equal parts or groups. 'Multiply' means to combine groups of equal size to find a total.
Modèles grammaticaux
Think of rapid growth
When you hear 'multiply', imagine something getting numerous very quickly, like rabbits in a field or stars in the sky.
Distinguish math vs. general use
Be aware if 'multiply' refers to the specific mathematical operation or a general, rapid increase in quantity.
Population growth concepts
The concept of multiplying is fundamental to understanding population dynamics, both in biology and social sciences.
Teste-toi
Choose the best word to complete the sentence.
The number of infected people began to ___ rapidly.
'Multiply' fits the context of a rapid increase in number.
Select the sentence that correctly uses 'multiply'.
Which sentence uses 'multiply' correctly?
Option B correctly uses 'multiply' in a mathematical context for scaling a recipe. Option A is incorrect as multiplying ingredients would increase servings. Option C is a valid sentence but doesn't demonstrate the core meaning as well as B. Option D makes no sense.
Arrange the words to form a grammatically correct sentence.
using / numbers / quickly / the / multiply / can
This sentence correctly uses 'multiply' intransitively to describe how numbers can increase rapidly.
Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questions'Add' means to combine numbers to find their total sum. 'Multiply' is a specific type of addition where one number is added to itself a certain number of times.
Yes, 'multiply' is often used figuratively to describe a rapid increase in the number or amount of something abstract, like opportunities, problems, or ideas.
While often used for positive growth, it can describe any rapid increase in quantity, which could include negative things like problems or debt.
The most common symbol for multiplication is the 'x' sign (e.g., 5 x 6). An asterisk () is often used in computing and algebra (e.g., 5 6).
