propagated: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “propagated” mean?
Spread or transmitted (something such as information, a species, or a physical effect) to a wider area or number of people.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Spread or transmitted (something such as information, a species, or a physical effect) to a wider area or number of people.
Bred or reproduced (a plant or animal) to produce more of its kind.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Usage is consistent in formal and technical registers. The pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Neutral to positive in scientific contexts (e.g., conservation). Can be negative when referring to the spread of misinformation or harmful ideas.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British academic writing; in American English, 'spread' is often preferred in general contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “propagated” in a Sentence
The rumour was propagated by malicious actors.Scientists propagated the rare orchid in the lab.The signal is propagated along the fibre.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “propagated” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The horticultural society propagated the rare fern from spores.
- Misinformation was propagated via untrustworthy blogs.
American English
- Researchers propagated the virus in a controlled lab environment.
- The activist group propagated its message through grassroots campaigns.
adverb
British English
- The plant grew propagatively from a single leaf.
- (Note: 'propagatively' is extremely rare; standard usage is the verb form.)
American English
- (Note: The adverb form is virtually non-existent in standard usage.)
adjective
British English
- The newly propagated cuttings were placed in the greenhouse.
- A propagated signal is often weaker than the original.
American English
- We purchased several propagated succulents from the nursery.
- The propagated error caused a cascade of system failures.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The new corporate values were propagated through a series of mandatory workshops.
Academic
The theory was propagated through a series of influential papers in the 1970s.
Everyday
That silly story about the mayor has been propagated all over social media.
Technical
The earthquake's seismic waves were propagated through the Earth's crust.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “propagated”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “propagated”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “propagated”
- Incorrect: 'The news propagated quickly.' (Better: 'spread') in informal contexts.
- Incorrect: 'He propagated to go there.' (Incorrect valency; cannot be followed by infinitive).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While a common use is in horticulture (propagating plants), it is also correctly used for spreading ideas, information, rumours, and physical phenomena like sound or light waves.
'Disseminated' is used almost exclusively for information (seeds of knowledge). 'Propagated' has a broader scope, including biological reproduction and the transmission of non-informational things (e.g., waves, effects).
Yes. When referring to the spread of misinformation, harmful ideologies, or diseases, 'propagated' carries a distinctly negative connotation.
The primary noun is 'propagation'. For example, 'the propagation of plants' or 'the propagation of sound'.
Spread or transmitted (something such as information, a species, or a physical effect) to a wider area or number of people.
Propagated is usually formal, technical in register.
Propagated: in British English it is pronounced ˈprɒpəɡeɪtɪd, and in American English it is pronounced ˈprɑːpəɡeɪtɪd. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The idea propagated like wildfire.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PROfessional gardener who GATEs (creates gates from) new plants by PROPAGATing them from cuttings.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE PLANTS (to propagate an idea is to plant and grow it in many minds).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following sentences is 'propagated' used INCORRECTLY?