triple
triple
UK[ˈtrɪp.l̩]US[ˈtrɪp.l̩]
adj
consisting of three parts or involving three people or groups
adj
three times as much or as many
v
to become, or to make something become, three times as much or as many
Morpheme Breakdown
trip
le
trip
three
le
suffix forming adjectives and verbs
Etymology
the word 'triple' has a clear lineage tracing back to classical antiquity. it originates from the latin 'triplus', which itself was borrowed from the greek 'triploos', meaning 'threefold' or 'consisting of three layers'. the latin term was adopted into old french as 'triple', carrying the same numerical meaning. entering middle english, it retained its core semantic logic of 'three' combined with a suffix that denotes a state or multiplication, perfectly capturing the concept of a three-part entity or a threefold increase.
Analysis
Structure: trip (three) + le (suffix forming adjectives and verbs)
trip (from latin 'triplus', from greek 'triploos', meaning 'threefold'); le (a common english suffix, often from old english '-el', '-ol', or latin '-ulus', used to form adjectives and verbs indicating a state or action)
Examples
she ordered a triple espresso to start her day.
the company reported triple the profits compared to last year.
he managed to triple his investment in just five years.