multiply

[ˈmʌltɪplaɪ]

multiply Definition

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

Synonyms for multiply

• increase
• augment
• amplify
• proliferate
• reproduce

Antonyms for multiply

• divide
• subtract
• decrease

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.

• multiply by

  to increase a number by a certain factor

  Example

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

• multiply out

  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.