multiply
multiply — 動詞
1. to calculate the total that results when a number is added to itself a certain n
乘以；相乘
將某數重複加自身若干次的運算
to calculate the total that results when a number is added to itself a certain number of times — for example, multiplying 4 by 3 gives you 12 because 4 + 4 + 4 = 12.
Folake multiplied 8 by 7 in her head and announced the answer before anyone else.
Folake 心算 8 乘以 7，然後搶先說出答案。
multiply + number + by + number for arithmetic operation
The maths teacher asked the class to multiply 15 and 6 and write the answer.
數學老師要求全班計算 15 乘以 6，並寫下答案。
multiply + number + and + number (alternative pattern)
If you multiply 10 by 100, the product is always 1,000.
如果你把 10 乘以 100，乘積永遠是 1000。
Rohan is learning to multiply two-digit numbers in his maths class this term.
Rohan 這學期在數學課上學習兩位數的乘法。
To find the area of a rectangle, multiply the length by the width.
要計算長方形的面積，請將長乘以寬。
- divide
the inverse math operation
文法句型
multiply + number + by + number
multiply + number + and + number
用法筆記
The pattern 'multiply A by B' uses the preposition 'by', not 'with'. The result of multiplication is called the product.
常見錯誤
2. to grow or cause something to grow a lot in number, amount, or degree, often muc
倍增；激增
數量或程度上大幅增長
to grow or cause something to grow a lot in number, amount, or degree, often much more than expected.
The company's profits multiplied five times in three years after the new product launch.
推出新產品後，該公司的利潤在三年內增長了五倍。
intransitive: amounts or figures multiply (grow rapidly)
Social media posts about the festival multiplied overnight after the video went viral.
影片爆紅後，關於該節慶的社群媒體貼文一夜之間暴增。
New housing developments have multiplied along the coast since the highway opened.
高速公路通車後，沿海地區的新建住宅數量大幅增加。
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can multiply the risk of skin damage.
長期暴露在陽光下可能會使皮膚受損的風險加倍。
Rumours about the merger multiplied after the CEO cancelled the press conference.
執行長取消記者會後，關於合併案的謠言越來越多。
- increase
general term for becoming larger; less dramatic
- proliferate
suggests rapid, widespread spread of things like ideas or products
- escalate
implies intensification, often of negative things (conflict, costs)
文法句型
multiply + noun phrase (object)
noun phrase + multiply (intransitive increase)
用法筆記
Often appears with 'by' to state the factor of increase: 'multiply by five'. Common objects include profits, costs, risks, problems, challenges, and effects. Subjects are often abstract — rumours, posts, concerns, opportunities.
常見錯誤
3. of living things — such as animals, bacteria, or cells — to increase in number b
繁殖；增殖
生物產生後代以增加族群數量
of living things — such as animals, bacteria, or cells — to increase in number by producing young or new individuals.
Rabbits multiply very quickly when food and shelter are both plentiful.
只要食物和棲息充足，兔子便會迅速繁殖。
intransitive: animals multiply in suitable conditions
Bacteria can multiply every twenty minutes in a warm container of milk.
細菌在溫牛奶中每隔二十分鐘就能繁殖一次。
micro-organisms multiply in warm, nutrient-rich environments
The fish multiply in the river during the spring season when the water warms up.
春天水溫回升時，河裡的魚便開始繁殖。
Aphids multiply rapidly on rose bushes during hot and humid weather.
天氣炎熱潮濕時，玫瑰叢上的蚜蟲會快速繁殖。
文法句型
living thing + multiply (intransitive)
用法筆記
Only used of non-human living organisms — animals, bacteria, cells, plants, insects. For humans, use 'reproduce' or 'have children' instead.
常見錯誤
multiply — 副詞
1. involving or affecting several different aspects, levels, or ways at the same ti
多方面地
在多種層面或方式上
involving or affecting several different aspects, levels, or ways at the same time.
The rural community is multiply disadvantaged by poor transport and limited job options.
該偏遠社區因交通不便且就業機會有限，處於多方面弱勢。
multiply + adjective describing compounded disadvantage
The company is multiply owned by a group of international investors.
該公司由一群國際投資者共同持有。
Children from low-income families may be multiply affected by poor housing and limited healthcare.
低收入家庭的孩子可能因住房條件差和醫療資源不足而受到多方面影響。
The new policy was multiply beneficial, cutting costs and improving service at the same time.
這項新政策同時降低了成本並改善了服務，可謂惠及多方。
- in multiple ways
less formal; phrasal alternative
- on several fronts
idiomatic; suggests activity across different areas
文法句型
multiply + adjective
multiply + past participle
用法筆記
Very formal. Almost always appears before an adjective or past participle (e.g. multiply disadvantaged, multiply owned, multiply affected). Rare in everyday conversation.
常見錯誤
multiply — 形容詞
1. made of several layers or thicknesses (plies) of material, giving extra strength
多層的
由多層材料構成的
made of several layers or thicknesses (plies) of material, giving extra strength or thickness.
Multiply plywood is stronger and more durable than single-layer board for construction work.
多層合板比單層板材更堅固耐用，適合建築用途。
multiply + material noun (technical usage)
The upholsterer chose multiply fabric for the sofa because it resists wear better.
沙發師傅選用了多層布料，因為它更耐磨。
Multiply paper is often used for luxury packaging that needs a thick, sturdy feel.
多層紙常用於需要厚實質感的高級包裝。
Multiply glass panels provide better sound insulation than standard single-pane windows.
多層玻璃的隔音效果比標準單層窗戶更好。
- multi-layer
more common in modern usage
- laminated
suggests layers bonded together under pressure
- single-ply
made of one layer only
文法句型
multiply + material noun
用法筆記
Extremely rare and specialised. Mostly used in technical or trade contexts describing plywood, textiles, paper, or glass. The word 'ply' here refers to a single layer or thickness.