triple
B1Neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts.
Definition
Meaning
Consisting of three parts or three times as much or many.
Used to describe something that involves three elements, such as in sports (e.g., triple jump), business (e.g., triple profit), or mathematics (e.g., triple integral).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Can function as an adjective, verb, or noun; often implies multiplication or increase by a factor of three.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage; both varieties use 'triple' similarly.
Connotations
Similar connotations of increase or abundance.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
transitive: triple somethingintransitive: triple in valueVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “triple whammy”
- “triple threat”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to significant growth, e.g., 'triple-digit revenue increase.'
Academic
Used in mathematics and sciences, e.g., 'triple integral in calculus.'
Everyday
Common in cooking or measurements, e.g., 'triple the recipe for the party.'
Technical
In physics, 'triple point' where three phases coexist.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The company tripled its investment in renewable energy.
American English
- The company tripled its profits last quarter.
adverb
British English
- He was paid triple for overtime work.
American English
- The product sold triple in the first month.
adjective
British English
- She achieved a triple victory in the championships.
American English
- He ordered a triple espresso for extra energy.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have triple the sweets you have.
- The number of students tripled in five years.
- Winning the triple crown in horse racing is a rare feat.
- The economic policy led to triple-digit inflation, causing widespread concern.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'tri' meaning three, like in triangle, so triple means three times or three parts.
Conceptual Metaphor
Represents abundance, intensity, or completeness, as in 'triple the excitement'.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Might directly translate to 'тройной' which is correct, but in phrases like 'triple jump', ensure it's 'тройной прыжок' for accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'tripple', using 'triple' only as a noun when it can be a verb, e.g., 'The sales triple' instead of 'tripled'.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'triple' primarily mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'triple' can be used as a verb meaning to make or become three times as much or many.
'Treble' is more common in British English, while 'triple' is used in both British and American English, but 'triple' is more widespread.
Yes, in sports like athletics, 'triple jump' is an event, and in baseball, a 'triple' is a hit that allows the batter to reach third base.
It is pronounced /ˈtrɪp.əl/ in both British and American English.