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.