proliferate
/pɹəˈlɪf.əɹ.eɪt/
Group 6Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (verb)
- To increase rapidly in numbers; to multiply GRE
Example in Context
Misinformation about the outbreak proliferated on social media faster than health agencies could issue corrections.
Synonyms
multiplyspreadincrease
Etymology
To multiply or increase rapidly in number.
- proliferare (Latin) — to bear offspring
Memory Aid
🌱Sounds like “pro-lift-er-ate”
The PRO LIFT ER ate so many seeds that they began to PROLIFERATE everywhere!
Visual Association
🌾A field overflowing with wildflowers multiplying like confetti!
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “proliferate” mean on the GRE?
proliferate (verb) means “To increase rapidly in numbers; to multiply”. Misinformation about the outbreak proliferated on social media faster than health agencies could issue corrections.
How to remember “proliferate” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “proliferate” sounds like “pro-lift-er-ate”. The PRO LIFT ER ate so many seeds that they began to PROLIFERATE everywhere!
What are synonyms for “proliferate”?
Common synonyms: multiply, spread, increase.