Proliferate Meaning and Definition
Proliferate
Pronunciation
/prəˈflɪəreɪt/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To multiply or grow rapidly, especially a concept, idea, or innovation.
Examples
- The company’s innovative product proliferated rapidly across the market.
- The idea of sustainable living has proliferated globally.
Synonyms
- Spread
- Diffuse
- Disseminate
Antonyms
- Decline
- Diminish
- Shrink
Etymology
From Latin “proliferare”, from “prolifero”, to bear young or produce offspring.
Usage Notes
The verb “proliferate” is often used in a variety of contexts, including business, technology, and social sciences.
Cultural References
Proliferation is a key concept in the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry, as it refers to the rapid spread of new technologies and ideas.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“The concept proliferated rapidly” – meaning the idea spread quickly.
Related Words or Phrases
- Growth
- Expansion
- Spread
Collocations
- Rapid proliferation
- Widespread proliferation
- Sustained proliferation
Frequency of Use
Proliferate is a relatively common verb in modern language, particularly in professional and academic contexts.
Common Misspellings
prolifirate, prolifrate, priffistrate