Triple: meaning, definitions and examples

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triple

 

[ˈtrɪpəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

basketball

A score of three points made in one play; a three-point field goal.

Synonyms

long-range shot, three-pointer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
triple

Used in basketball conversation, emphasizing the score's increase by three points. Can be used in casual or technical basketball discussions.

  • He nailed a triple right at the buzzer!
  • The team needs more triples to catch up.
three-pointer

Refers specifically to basketball, emphasizing both the distance and the scoring of three points. Appropriate for detailed descriptions or analysis of the game.

  • Curry is known for his consistent three-pointers.
  • The game was won with a spectacular three-pointer in the last second.
long-range shot

Focuses on the distance of the shot rather than the points scored. Suitable for discussing impressive shots taken from far away in any sport, not just basketball.

  • She made an incredible long-range shot from beyond mid-court.
  • His long-range shots are always precise and powerful.

Examples of usage

  • He made a triple in the last minute of the game.
  • She's known for her ability to shoot triples from long range.
Context #2 | Adjective

threefold

Three times as much or as many.

Synonyms

threefold, tripled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
triple

This word is often used in everyday language to describe something that is three times as much or many. It's frequently found in sports and measurements.

  • The recipe calls for a triple serving of sugar.
  • The team aimed to win a triple crown of championships.
threefold

This word is more formal and is typically used in academic or professional settings to describe something three times bigger or containing three parts.

  • The company's revenue grew threefold.
  • There was a threefold increase in the number of participants.
tripled

This is the past tense of 'triple' and is used to indicate that something has become three times as much or many in the past.

  • The population has tripled in the last decade.
  • His efforts tripled the output of the factory.

Examples of usage

  • The company experienced a triple increase in sales this quarter.
  • The recipe calls for a triple amount of sugar compared to the original.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'triplex,' meaning 'threefold,' showing its roots in the idea of three parts.
  • In Old French, 'triple' appeared as 'triple,' evolving in English to maintain its meaning of three.
  • Related terms include 'trio' for three people or things and 'trifold,' often used to describe something that folds into three sections.

Mathematics

  • In mathematics, 'triple' can refer to a set or group of three numbers, commonly used in coordinates (x, y, z).
  • A 'triple' can also denote a specific kind of mathematical relation, like an ordered pair or a vector with three components.
  • In probability, the concept of 'triple' appears when calculating outcomes involving three events or selections.

Sports

  • In baseball, a 'triple' refers to a hit that allows the batter to reach third base, showcasing speed and power.
  • In gymnastics, performers can achieve a 'triple' twist, where they rotate three times in the air during a single leap.
  • In basketball, scoring a 'triple' means making a shot from beyond the three-point line, earning a team three points.

Cultural Significance

  • The phrase 'triple threat' describes someone skilled in three areas, like acting, singing, and dancing.
  • In some cultures, number three symbolizes balance, harmony, and perfection, as seen with many mythological triads.
  • The Trinity in Christian belief represents three divine persons in one God, illustrating the importance of the number three.

Entertainment

  • In movies, a 'triple feature' often refers to a screening of three films, usually related by theme or series.
  • The popular video game 'Triple Town' challenges players to combine three of the same item to create something new.
  • In music, a 'triple meter' indicates a rhythmic pattern with three beats per measure, giving a waltz its flowing feel.

Translations

Translations of the word "triple" in other languages:

🇵🇹 triplo

🇮🇳 त्रैतीय

🇩🇪 dreifach

🇮🇩 tripel

🇺🇦 трикратний

🇵🇱 potrójny

🇯🇵 トリプル

🇫🇷 triple

🇪🇸 triple

🇹🇷 üçlü

🇰🇷 삼중

🇸🇦 ثلاثي

🇨🇿 trojitý

🇸🇰 trojitý

🇨🇳 三重

🇸🇮 trojni

🇮🇸 þrefaldur

🇰🇿 үштік

🇬🇪 სამმაგი

🇦🇿 üçqat

🇲🇽 triple

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,375 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.