Multiple: Definition, Usage & Common Examples

Meaning 1：numerous (multiple)

multiple 🔊

/ˈmʌltɪpl/

adj.

It simply means "many" or "having many parts or examples".

numerous 🔊

➕

/ˈnjuːmərəs/

adj.

Describes something that consists of or involves more than one part, individual, or element.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'multiplex' ('multi-' meaning 'many' + '-plex' meaning 'fold'), thus 'many-fold'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a menu with MULTI-PLE choices. 'Multi' means many, and you have a ple(n)thora of options.

📖 Example

For this weekend, I have multiple choices: watching a movie, reading a book, or meeting my friends. 🔊 This weekend, I have numerous options: I could watch a movie, read a book, or meet up with friends.

🔗 Collocations

multiple choice – A question format where the answer is selected from several given options.

multiple sclerosis – A chronic disease affecting the central nervous system.

multiple sources – Information or items obtained from several different origins.

🔄 Synonyms

several (adj.) – More than two but not many; an indefinite small number.

various (adj.) – Different from one another; of several different types.

numerous (adj.) – Great in number; many.

🚫 Antonyms

single (adj.) – Only one; not one of several.

sole (adj.) – Being the only one; only.

🌱 Derivatives

multiply (v.) – To increase in number; to perform the mathematical operation of multiplication.

multiplicity (n.) – A large number or variety.

multiply (adv.) – In several different ways or for several different reasons.

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'multiplex' via Old French 'multiple'. In modern contexts, it's fundamental in mathematics (multiple of a number) and computing (multiple processes). The term 'multiple choice' is ubiquitous in standardized testing worldwide.