Multiple: meaning, definitions and examples

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multiple

 

[ ˈmʌltɪpl ]

Adjective / Noun / Adverb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adjective

mathematics

Having or involving several parts, elements, or members.

Synonyms

many, numerous, several, various.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
multiple

Use when referring to a number of things or instances that are many, often with the implication of variety or different types.

  • She has multiple skills, including painting and singing.
  • The project was delayed due to multiple issues with the software.
numerous

Commonly used in more formal contexts to indicate a very large number of items or occurrences.

  • The city is known for its numerous parks and green spaces.
  • She received numerous awards for her contributions to science.
many

Appropriate for expressing a large number of countable items or people, often in informal contexts.

  • Many people attended the concert last night.
  • I have read many books this year.
various

Best used when emphasizing diversity or different types within a group or category.

  • There are various ways to approach this problem.
  • He tried various dishes at the food festival.
several

Used to describe an amount more than a few but less than many, usually when the exact number is not specified.

  • She has traveled to several countries in Europe.
  • There were several options available for lunch.

Examples of usage

  • The equation has multiple solutions.
  • She received multiple awards for her performance.
Context #2 | Noun

computing

A group of terminals connected to a single computer or network.

Synonyms

cluster, group, network.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
multiple

Used to describe a number of things or people considered together, often implying a variety or several instances of something.

  • She has multiple tasks to complete today
  • There were multiple solutions to the problem
group

General term used to describe any collection of people or things considered together as a unit, often organized or categorized for a purpose.

  • She joined a study group to prepare for the exams
  • A group of friends went to the park together
cluster

Used when referring to a number of similar things or people grouped closely together, often implying some natural or spontaneous formation.

  • The stars formed a beautiful cluster in the night sky
  • A cluster of students gathered around the teacher
network

Refers to a complex, interconnected system of things or people, often used in contexts involving communication, technology, or professional relationships.

  • She has a strong network of professional contacts
  • The computer network is down for maintenance

Examples of usage

  • The company installed multiple terminals for the employees to access the database.
  • The system crashed due to multiple users accessing it simultaneously.
Context #3 | Adverb

general

In several parts; in many places.

Synonyms

across, individually, separately.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
multiple

Used when referring to more than one of something, emphasizing quantity.

  • She has multiple projects to complete by the end of the week.
  • There were multiple mistakes in his report.
separately

Used to describe things that are done apart from one another, without mixing.

  • The twins were placed in separate classes.
  • The ingredients should be mixed separately before combining.
individually

Used when referring to things one at a time, emphasizing the uniqueness of each.

  • Each student was assessed individually.
  • The pieces of the puzzle were examined individually.
across

Used to describe something extending from one side to another or throughout an area.

  • The river runs across the entire city.
  • She spread the news across the office.

Examples of usage

  • The virus spread multiple throughout the city.
  • She travels multiple for her job.

Translations

Translations of the word "multiple" in other languages:

🇵🇹 múltiplo

🇮🇳 बहुत से

🇩🇪 mehrere

🇮🇩 beberapa

🇺🇦 множинний

🇵🇱 wielokrotny

🇯🇵 複数の

🇫🇷 multiple

🇪🇸 múltiple

🇹🇷 çoklu

🇰🇷 다수의

🇸🇦 متعدد

🇨🇿 mnoho

🇸🇰 viac

🇨🇳 多个

🇸🇮 mnogokratni

🇮🇸 margt

🇰🇿 көптеген

🇬🇪 ბევრი

🇦🇿 çoxsaylı

🇲🇽 múltiple

Etymology

The word 'multiple' originated from the Latin word 'multiplus', which means 'many' or 'often'. It has been used in various contexts over the centuries, evolving to represent the idea of consisting of several parts or elements. In mathematics, 'multiple' is commonly used to denote a number that can be divided evenly by another number. The concept of 'multiple' has become essential in fields like computing, where it refers to a group of interconnected devices. Overall, 'multiple' has a rich history of representing the idea of abundance and diversity.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,719, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.