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REFERENCE

multiply

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈməɫtəˌpɫaɪ// mul·ti·ply Archaic General-service

v. to increase a number by a specific amount of times. You also use it to describe when animals or plants produce many young ones quickly.

v. to calculate the product of two or more numbers; to increase significantly in number or quantity through reproduction or rapid growth.


SIMPLE

If you multiply five by three, you get fifteen.

CONTEXTUAL

The bacteria began to multiply rapidly once the temperature in the lab reached thirty degrees.

COMPLEX

Economists warn that while the initial costs are low, the long-term interest payments will multiply the total debt until it becomes unsustainable for the average household.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology 1

From Old French multiplier, from Latin multiplicō, from multi (“many”) + plicō (“to fold”). The noun presumably derives from the verb.

Etymology 2

From multiple + -ly.

Usage

The verb is transitive when used in mathematics, typically taking the preposition 'by'. It is often intransitive when referring to biological reproduction or general increases.

Pitfall

multiply five with threemultiply five by threeIn mathematical contexts, the verb 'multiply' typically pairs with the preposition 'by' rather than 'with'.

Idioms1 entry

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