Word
proliferate
Phoneticspro·lif·er·ate, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹoʊˈɫɪfɝˌeɪt/
UK/pɹəlˈɪfəɹˌeɪt/
Definition
v. to increase in number or spread very quickly. You use this when something, like a new technology or a type of plant, starts appearing everywhere.
v. to increase rapidly in number or multiply; to reproduce or spread at a high rate. Often describes the rapid expansion of cells, ideas, or technologies.
Examples
“Small coffee shops began to proliferate across the city last year.”
“As internet access became cheaper, online streaming services began to proliferate, fundamentally changing how people consume media.”
“In the absence of natural predators, the invasive species began to proliferate at an alarming rate, threatening the delicate balance of the local ecosystem.”
Examples
simple
“Small coffee shops began to proliferate across the city last year.”
contextual
“As internet access became cheaper, online streaming services began to proliferate, fundamentally changing how people consume media.”
complex
“In the absence of natural predators, the invasive species began to proliferate at an alarming rate, threatening the delicate balance of the local ecosystem.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “proliferate” in context.
Verb
01. proliferate globally
“Low-cost airlines have proliferated globally over the last two decades.”
verb + adv
02. proliferate online
“Conspiracy theories tend to proliferate online due to lack of moderation.”
verb + adv
03. rapidly proliferate
“Small businesses began to rapidly proliferate across the city after the tax cuts.”
adv + verb
04. wildly proliferate
“Rumors about the company's bankruptcy started to wildly proliferate on social media.”
adv + verb
Noun
05. proliferation of technology
“The proliferation of mobile technology has changed how we communicate.”
noun + prep + noun
06. proliferation of weapons
“International treaties aim to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons.”
noun + prep + noun
07. continue to proliferate
“Despite new regulations, these illegal gambling sites continue to proliferate.”
08. proliferate at an alarming rate
“Invasive species are proliferating at an alarming rate in the local wetlands.”
09. proliferate throughout the region
“New variants of the virus began to proliferate throughout the region during winter.”
Usage
The verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“So, while AI remains in its ascendancy and continues to proliferate, a small local - and global - backlash has begun.” “These privately owned e-scooters are illegal to ride on public roads across the UK, but they've proliferated regardless.” “In response to PM2.5 exposure, macrophages release chemical messengers known as cytokines, which wake up cells carrying the EGFR mutation and causes them to proliferate.” “At the same time, white matter – long-distance connections known as axons covered with an insulating fatty sheath – tends to proliferate.” Etymology
Back-formation from proliferation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/proliferate