ENGLISH
REFERENCE

exponentially

adv. manner
C1 Advanced US //ˌɛkspoʊˈnɛnʃəɫi// UK //ˌɛkspənˈɛnʃəlˌi// ex·po·nen·tial·ly

adv. describes when something increases very quickly and at an ever-growing rate. In everyday conversation, people use it to mean a huge or dramatic increase.

adv. characterised by a rate of change that is proportional to the current value, resulting in increasingly rapid growth. In non-technical contexts, it functions as an intensifier for any rapid or significant increase.


SIMPLE

The number of users is growing exponentially.

CONTEXTUAL

Since the new marketing campaign launched, our online sales have increased exponentially every month.

COMPLEX

While the population grew linearly, the demand for digital bandwidth expanded exponentially, eventually overwhelming the existing infrastructure and requiring a total system overhaul.

Origin

From exponential + -ly.

Usage

Typically follows the verb it modifies, such as 'grow', 'increase', or 'expand'.

Pitfall

The prices rose in an exponentially wayThe prices rose exponentiallyExponentially is an adverb and should modify the verb directly; it cannot be used as an adjective within a noun phrase.

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