Words / C1

pr-uh-LIF-uh-rayt/prəˈlɪfəreɪt/

To proliferate is to increase rapidly in number: rumours proliferated, weapons proliferate. Increase is everyday; proliferation (already in the dictionary) is the noun; dwindle is opposite. Do not let draft PDFs proliferate with no owner and no n.

Meaning

To increase rapidly in number.

Examples

• “Draft PDFs proliferated; none named the n.”
• “Increase is everyday. Multiply is a cousin. Spread is often for news or disease. Proliferation is already in this course. Many files is not version control. Name an owner before the folder blooms.”

Good to know

Multiply fast. Everyday: increase. Noun: proliferation (already in the dictionary). Many drafts ≠ a controlled set.

Near in meaning

proliferation

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