Propagate: meaning, definitions and examples

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propagate

[ ˈprɒpəˌɡeɪt ]

^{Context #1}

in gardening

To multiply or breed by natural processes; to spread or extend to a wider area or larger number.

Synonyms

breed, extend, multiply, spread

Examples of usage

The plant propagates easily from cuttings.
These flowers propagate rapidly in the wild.

^{Context #2}

in science

To transmit or cause to spread from one person or place to another.

Synonyms

disseminate, spread, transmit

Examples of usage

Disease can propagate through contaminated water.
The rumor propagated quickly through the community.

^{Context #3}

in physics

To transmit a wave, motion, or vibration.

Synonyms

carry, move, transmit

Examples of usage

Sound waves propagate through air.
The earthquake propagated along the fault line.

Translations

Translations of the word "propagate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 propagar

🇮🇳 प्रसारित करना

🇩🇪 verbreiten

🇮🇩 menyebarkan

🇺🇦 поширювати

🇵🇱 rozpowszechniać

🇯🇵 伝播する (denpa suru)

🇫🇷 propager

🇪🇸 propagar

🇹🇷 yaymak

🇰🇷 전파하다 (jeonpa hada)

🇸🇦 نشر (nashr)

🇨🇿 šířit

🇸🇰 šíriť

🇨🇳 传播 (chuánbō)

🇸🇮 širiti

🇮🇸 dreifa

🇰🇿 тарату

🇬🇪 გავრცელება (gavrtseleba)

🇦🇿 yaymaq

🇲🇽 propagar

Word origin

The word 'propagate' originated from the Latin word 'propagatus', which means 'to reproduce, spread, extend'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. Initially used in the context of plant reproduction, the term later expanded to include the transmission of ideas, diseases, and waves. Over time, 'propagate' has become a versatile word used in various fields to describe the process of multiplication, transmission, or spreading.