What is multiply? Pronunciation and usage in English

multiply means . Learn how to pronounce and use multiply through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of multiply

multiplyverb

/ˈmʌltɪplʌɪ/
Definition & pronunciation of multiply

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "multiply" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The General Sound:

The word is generally pronounced with a slightly "glottal" (throat) sound at the beginning.

2. Syllable by Syllable:

  • Multi-: This part is key. It’s pronounced like "mool-tree."
    • "mool" – like "rule" but with an "oo" sound.
    • "tree" – like the word "tree." It's a short, quick "ee" sound.
  • -ply: This part is pronounced like "plee."
    • "plee" – like "plea."

3. Putting it Together:

So, it sounds like: mool-tree-plee

4. The Glottal Stop (The Tricky Part):

This is where many people stumble. A glottal stop is a very brief pause in the sound, made by closing your vocal cords for a tiny moment. It's similar to the sound you make when you catch your throat.

  • At the very beginning of the word, you'll make this brief pause before saying "mool." It's almost like a little "uh" sound, but shorter.

5. Full Pronunciation:

It’s best heard than described, of course! Here are a few resources to help you hear it:

Tips for Practice:

  • Slow it Down: Start by saying each syllable individually – "mool-tree-plee."
  • Find the Glottal Stop: Concentrate on making that very short pause at the beginning.
  • Listen and Repeat: The best way to learn is to listen to native speakers and imitate their pronunciation.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you some example sentences using "multiply"?

Usage and examples with the word multiply in English

Let's break down how to use the word "multiply" in English. It's a versatile word with several meanings and uses! Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. As a Verb – Meaning to Increase by a Factor

This is the most common meaning. “Multiply” means to make something bigger by a specific number or ratio.

  • Mathematics: This is its core meaning.
    • "If you multiply 5 by 3, the result is 15." (5 x 3 = 15)
    • "The number of apples multiplied by two is twenty."
  • General Increase: It can describe a broader increase beyond simple math.
    • "The problem multiplied quickly, and soon we had a huge backlog of orders." (The problem became worse and bigger.)
    • "The number of people attending our events has multiplied in the last year." (Increased a lot.)
    • "His success multiplied as he gained more experience." (His success grew increasingly.)

2. As a Verb – Meaning to Reproduce (especially of living things)

  • "Bacteria multiply rapidly in warm, moist conditions."
  • "Plants multiply by seed or by cuttings."
  • "The goat multiplied quickly on the farm.”

3. As a Verb – Meaning to Produce or Generate

This usage is a bit less common but still important.

  • "The new software multiplied the efficiency of our team." (It generated more efficiency.)
  • “The success of the campaign multiplied the support for the policy.” (It produced more support.)

4. As a Noun – Meaning a Result of Multiplication

  • "The product of the numbers is 24 – the multiplication is 24." (This is a more formal way to refer to the answer of a multiplication problem.)
  • “Let’s look at the multiplication table.” (Referring to the grid of multiplication results.)

Important Considerations & Related Words:

  • Synonyms: Words that often work as synonyms for "multiply" include: increase, multiply, expand, grow, multiply, proliferate, amplify. The best choice depends on the specific context.

  • Phrases:

    • Multiply by: (Almost always used with a number) "Multiply the cost by two."
    • Multiply into: “The numbers multiplied into a single, complex equation.”
    • Multiply on: “The stress multiplied on him as the deadline approached.”

  • Formal vs. Informal: “Multiply” is a fairly formal word. In casual conversation, you’d often use simpler words like “increase” or “grow.”

Examples in Sentences (to illustrate different uses):

  • "The population of the city is expected to multiply significantly in the next decade." (Increase)
  • "The virus can multiply within the body, leading to serious illness." (Reproduce)
  • "The use of this tool will multiply your productivity." (Generate)
  • “The price of gasoline multiplied after the recent pipeline shutdown.” (Increased)

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you trying to use "multiply" in? (e.g., math problems, describing a business situation, talking about personal growth?)

Synonyms for the word multiply

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