Words / B1

MULT-ipl-eye/ˈmʌltɪplaɪ/

To multiply is to do multiplication, or to increase a lot. Multiple is the adjective. Increase is everyday. Bin strikes: complaints multiplied in week three.

Meaning

To add a number to itself a given number of times; also to increase a lot.

Examples

• “Complaints multiplied after the bin strike entered a third week.”
• “Multiply the rate by the hours, which is the maths-paper sense.”

Good to know

multiply by (maths); problems multiply (increase). Adjective: multiple. Everyday: increase. News / exams. Not “multiplicate”.

Near in meaning

increase

New