Word
multiplier
Phoneticsmul·ti·pli·er, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈməɫtəˌpɫaɪɝ/
UK/mˈʌltɪplˌaɪə/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a number that you multiply another number by. In business or science, it also describes a factor that causes a much larger increase in a total result.
n. a quantity by which a given number is to be multiplied. In macroeconomics, it refers to a factor by which an initial change in spending causes a larger change in national income.
Examples
“In the equation 5 times 3, the number 3 is the multiplier.”
“Economists argue that government investment in infrastructure has a high multiplier effect on the local economy.”
“The fiscal multiplier measures the ratio in which a change in government spending causes a change in the overall gross domestic product, reflecting the broader impact of initial capital injections.”
Examples
simple
“In the equation 5 times 3, the number 3 is the multiplier.”
contextual
“Economists argue that government investment in infrastructure has a high multiplier effect on the local economy.”
complex
“The fiscal multiplier measures the ratio in which a change in government spending causes a change in the overall gross domestic product, reflecting the broader impact of initial capital injections.”
Usage
Commonly used in the phrase 'multiplier effect' to describe a chain reaction of growth.
Real-World Examples
“Climate change is "not the origin of these injustices, but a threat multiplier", he added.” “This reframes Florida’s position in fifth place, where its unusually large elderly driving population likely acts as a multiplier, helping contextualize why Texas and California remain in the upper tier.” Etymology
From multiply + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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