multiply

[ˈmʌltɪplaɪ]

multiply Definition

  • 1to add a number to itself a particular number of times, or to increase something by adding more to it many times
  • 2to reproduce or increase in number, especially rapidly
  • 3to have a great number of something

Using multiply: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "multiply" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    If you multiply six by seven, you get forty-two.

  • Example

    The bacteria can multiply quickly in warm, moist conditions.

  • Example

    She has managed to multiply her savings by investing in stocks.

multiply Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with multiply

  • multiply like rabbits

    to reproduce or increase very quickly and in large numbers

    Example

    The weeds in the garden are multiplying like rabbits.

  • to increase a number by a certain factor

    Example

    If you multiply the original price by two, you get the final price.

  • to perform multiplication on all the terms in an equation

    Example

    To solve this equation, you need to multiply out the brackets first.

Origins of multiply

from Old French 'multiplicier', from Latin 'multiplicare', from 'multus' (many) + 'plicare' (to fold)

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Summary: multiply in Brief

The verb 'multiply' [ˈmʌltɪplaɪ] means to add a number to itself a certain number of times or to increase something by adding more to it many times. It can also refer to reproduction or rapid increase in number. Examples include 'If you multiply six by seven, you get forty-two,' and 'The bacteria can multiply quickly in warm, moist conditions.' The phrase 'multiply like rabbits' refers to rapid reproduction, while 'multiply by' denotes increasing a number by a certain factor.

How do native speakers use this expression?