multiply
B1Neutral (used in academic, technical, and everyday contexts with appropriate formality)
Definition
Meaning
To increase something in number or quantity, or to perform the arithmetic operation of combining numbers via repeated addition.
To breed or propagate (organisms); to cause something to become more numerous or complex; to have offspring; to increase or spread at a rapid rate.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The mathematical sense is primary and literal. The biological sense ('to breed') is common. The general sense of rapid increase often carries neutral-to-negative connotations (e.g., problems multiplying).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both BrE and AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] multiply (intransitive)[NP1] multiply [NP2] by [NP3] (transitive/ditransitive)[NP1] multiply [NP2] (transitive, mathematical)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Multiply like rabbits (to reproduce very quickly)”
- “Multiply one's troubles (to make problems worse)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to increasing profits, revenue, or market share. 'The new strategy helped multiply their quarterly returns.'
Academic
Common in mathematics, biology (cell division), and social sciences describing growth or propagation. 'The bacteria multiply under optimal conditions.'
Everyday
Used for general increase, e.g., chores, expenses, or tasks. 'My worries seem to multiply every day.'
Technical
Primarily the arithmetic operation or specific processes in computing (matrix multiplication) and science.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Rabbits can multiply incredibly fast.
- You need to multiply the length by the width to get the area.
- Their debts began to multiply during the recession.
American English
- These cells multiply rapidly in a warm environment.
- To find the total, multiply the two numbers together.
- Mistakes will multiply if we don't have a proper system.
adverb
British English
- The data is multiply verified for accuracy.
- The benefits are multiply demonstrated in the literature.
American English
- The test was multiply administered to ensure consistency.
- His argument is multiply flawed.
adjective
British English
- The research involved multiply disabled participants.
- A multiply connected region in topology.
American English
- It's a multiply layered security protocol.
- She comes from a multiply disadvantaged background.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Cats can multiply quickly.
- Multiply five by two to get ten.
- If you water the plant, it will multiply.
- We learned how to multiply large numbers in class today.
- The company's profits multiplied after the new product launch.
- Errors in the code tend to multiply if not caught early.
- The policy had the unintended consequence of multiplying bureaucratic hurdles.
- Certain viruses can multiply their genetic material within host cells.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MULTI-PLYwood: many layers added together, just like repeated addition in multiplication.
Conceptual Metaphor
NUMBERS/QUANTITIES ARE LIVING THINGS (that can grow and reproduce)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not to be confused with 'умножать' only in the mathematical sense; for 'увеличивать(ся)' more broadly, consider 'increase' or 'grow'.
- Avoid directly translating 'умножить на два' as 'multiply on two' – use 'multiply by two'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'multiply with' (correct: 'multiply by').
- Using 'multiply' for simple addition instead of repeated addition.
- Confusing 'multiply' (verb) with 'multiple' (adjective/noun).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'multiply' used in a NON-mathematical sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its primary use is mathematical, it is commonly used to mean 'increase rapidly' or 'reproduce' in biology and general contexts.
The correct preposition is 'by'. Example: 'Multiply 6 by 4.'
'Add' means to combine numbers into a sum. 'Multiply' is a specific form of repeated addition of the same number.
Yes, though less common, it can be used as an adjective (e.g., 'a multiply injured patient') meaning 'in many ways' or 'repeatedly'.