What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
propagate
Example
She propagated the succulent by taking a cutting and planting it in soil. [propagated: past tense]
Example
The company aims to propagate their brand message through social media. [propagate: verb]
multiply
Example
The bacteria multiply rapidly in warm and moist environments. [multiply: verb]
Example
The rabbits multiplied quickly in the field, causing concern for the farmers. [multiplied: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Multiply is more commonly used than propagate in everyday language, especially in mathematical or biological contexts. Propagate is less common and often used in specialized fields such as horticulture or media.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between propagate and multiply?
Both propagate and multiply can be used in formal and informal contexts, but propagate may be perceived as more formal due to its association with specialized fields such as science or media.
