proliferate
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /prəˈlɪfəreɪt/
KK: /prəˈlɪfəˌreɪt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To grow or increase quickly in number or amount, often by producing new parts or offspring.
Example
The number of new businesses began to proliferate in the area, attracting more customers.
Tense Forms
Past: proliferated
Past Participle: proliferated
Conversation
Did you hear about how quickly those plants proliferate in the right conditions?
Yeah, it's amazing! They seem to grow everywhere.
I wonder if we could use that to help with our garden.
Definitely! It would be great to see our flowers proliferate like that.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
multiply
expand
increase
Antonyms
diminish
decrease
contract
transitive verb
Definition
To make something grow or increase quickly and in large numbers.
Example
The new policies will help proliferate the use of renewable energy.
Tense Forms
Past: proliferated
Past Participle: proliferated
Conversation
Have you noticed how quickly those plants proliferate in the garden?
Yeah, it's amazing! They seem to grow overnight.
I guess we should keep an eye on them, or they'll take over the whole space.
Root Explanation
Proliferate → It is formed from "pro-" (meaning forward) and "lifer" (from Latin "līfer", meaning to bear or produce) combined with the suffix "-ate" (indicating to cause or make). The word describes the act of causing something to grow or multiply forward, particularly in terms of cells or organisms.
Memory Tip
Think of something 'producing' ('līfer') more and more 'forward' ('pro-') — that's why proliferate means to grow or multiply rapidly.
Visually Confused Words
preliterate
preliberate