Fourfold: meaning, definitions and examples

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fourfold

 

[ ˈfɔːrfəʊld ]

Adjective / Adverb
Context #1 | Adjective

in mathematics

Consisting of four parts or members; four times as much or as many.

Synonyms

four times, quadruple.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fourfold

This term is often used in more formal or technical contexts to indicate that something has increased or multiplied by four. It is common in academic, scientific, and financial texts.

  • The company's profits have increased fourfold over the last decade.
  • Our research showed a fourfold increase in the number of cases.
quadruple

This term is often used interchangeably with 'fourfold' but can be seen in both casual and formal contexts. It is also frequently used to emphasize the dramatic nature of an increase.

  • The city’s population is expected to quadruple in the next 50 years.
  • They managed to quadruple their investment in just five years.
four times

This phrase is more casual and commonly used in everyday speech to simply mean 'four instances' or 'multiplied by four'. It is less formal than 'fourfold' and can be used in various situations.

  • I have visited this museum four times already.
  • The recipe says you need to use four times the amount of water.

Examples of usage

  • The fourfold symmetry of the crystal structure was clearly visible under the microscope.
  • The company experienced a fourfold increase in profits over the last quarter.
  • The team managed to achieve a fourfold improvement in productivity after implementing the new strategy.
Context #2 | Adverb

in religion

To a quadruple extent or degree; four times.

Synonyms

four times, quadruple.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fourfold

This term is frequently used in more formal or technical contexts, such as finance, statistics, or academic writing. It emphasizes a multiplication by four.

  • The company's profits increased fourfold over the past year.
  • There was a fourfold rise in the number of cases reported.
four times

This phrase is commonly used in everyday conversation and informal writing. It is straightforward and easy to understand, signifying something happens or exists four instances.

  • I called you four times, but you didn't answer.
  • She can lift weights that are four times heavier than before.
quadruple

Often employed in scientific, mathematical, or financial contexts, this term means to multiply something by four. It tends to sound more technical.

  • The recipe calls for us to quadruple the amount of sugar.
  • Their investment has quadrupled over the last decade.

Examples of usage

  • She vowed to dedicate herself fourfold to her faith after the life-changing experience.
  • The monk meditated fourfold longer than usual in search of enlightenment.

Translations

Translations of the word "fourfold" in other languages:

🇵🇹 quadruplo

🇮🇳 चार गुना

🇩🇪 vierfach

🇮🇩 empat kali lipat

🇺🇦 вчетверо

🇵🇱 czterokrotnie

🇯🇵 四倍

🇫🇷 quadruple

🇪🇸 cuádruple

🇹🇷 dört kat

🇰🇷 네 배

🇸🇦 أربعة أضعاف

🇨🇿 čtyřnásobný

🇸🇰 štvornásobný

🇨🇳 四倍

🇸🇮 štirikrat

🇮🇸 fjórfalt

🇰🇿 төрт есе

🇬🇪 ოთხჯერ

🇦🇿 dörd qat

🇲🇽 cuádruple

Etymology

The word 'fourfold' originated from the combination of 'four' and 'fold', which dates back to Old English. The concept of 'fourfold' has been used in various contexts throughout history, from mathematics to religion, to signify a quantity or extent that is four times as much. The word has evolved to become a common adjective and adverb in modern English usage.

See also: four, foursome, fourteen, fourth.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,624, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.