quadruple
UK[ˈkwɒdrʊp(ə)l]US[ˈkwɑːdrʊp(ə)l]
adj
consisting of four parts, members, or elements; fourfold.
adj
being four times as great or as many.
v
to multiply or be multiplied by four.
Morpheme Breakdown
quadru
ple
quadru
four
ple
fold, multiple
Etymology
the word quadruple is a direct descendant of late latin 'quadruplus', meaning fourfold. its first element, 'quadru-', originates from the latin numeral 'quattuor' (four), which itself can be traced back to the proto-indo-european root kʷetwóres. the second element, '-ple', derives from latin '-plus', meaning 'fold' or 'multiple', related to the verb 'plicare' (to fold). thus, the literal construction "four-fold" logically evolved into its modern meanings of consisting of four parts or being four times the quantity.
Analysis
Structure: quadru (four) + ple (fold, multiple)
- quadru: from latin 'quadru-', a combining form of 'quattuor' (four). functions as a numerical root.
- ple: from latin '-plus' (fold, multiple), via old french '-ple'. functions as a suffix denoting multiplication or a multiple.
Examples
the company reported a quadruple increase in profits this quarter.
she ordered a quadruple espresso to get through the long night of studying.
their goal is to quadruple production capacity within five years.