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Multiply vs Add - What's the difference?

multiply | add |

In transitive terms the difference between multiply and add

is that multiply is to increase the amount, degree or number of (something) while add is to append, as a statement; to say further.

In intransitive terms the difference between multiply and add

is that multiply is to breed or propagate while add is to make an addition. To add to, to augment; to increase.

In computer science terms the difference between multiply and add

is that multiply is an act or instance of multiplying while add is an act or instance of adding.

As an adverb multiply

is in many or multiple ways.

multiply

English

Etymology 1

From (etyl) multiplier, from (etyl) . The noun presumably derives from the verb.

Verb

  • To increase the amount, degree or number of (something).
  • * Ames
  • Impunity will multiply motives to disobedience.
  • (arithmetic) To perform multiplication on (a number).
  • To grow in number.
  • To breed or propagate.
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2013-07-20, volume=408, issue=8845, magazine=(The Economist)
  • , title= Welcome to the plastisphere , passage=[The researchers] noticed many of their pieces of [plastic marine] debris sported surface pits around two microns across.
  • (arithmetic) To perform multiplication.
  • (rare) To be a factor in a multiplication with (another factor).
  • * 1983 , Graham Flegg, Numbers , 2002 edition, ISBN 0486421651, page 154 [http://books.google.com/books?id=C0Wcb9c6c18C&pg=PA154&dq=multiplies]:
  • This follows a similar process, counters having to be removed and replaced at each stage of the remaining part of the calculation except the final one, where 2 multiplies 3 to give 6.
  • * 1993 , Edward T. Dowling, (w, Schaum's Outline) of Theory and Problems of Mathematical Methods for Business and Economics , ISBN 0070176744, page 14 [http://books.google.com/books?id=8PaQk7LodfoC&pg=PA14&dq=multiplies]:
  • Of all the possible combinations of factors above, only (2\cdot4)+(3\cdot5)=23. Carefully arranging the factors, therefore, to ensure that 2 multiplies' 4 and 3 ' multiplies 5, we have
  • *:: 6x^2+23x+20=(2x+5)(3x+4)
  • Synonyms
    * (l)

    Noun

    (multiplies)
  • (computer science) An act or instance of multiplying.
  • Etymology 2

    .

    Adverb

    (en adverb)
  • In many or multiple ways.
  • English heteronyms

    add

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To join or unite, as one thing to another, or as several particulars, so as to increase the number, augment the quantity or enlarge the magnitude, or so as to form into one aggregate. Hence: To sum up; to put together mentally.
  • * (rfdate) (John Locke)
  • as easily as he can add together the ideas of two days or two years.
  • To combine elements of (something) into one quantity.
  • To give by way of increased possession (to any one); to bestow (on).
  • * 1611 , King James Version, Genesis 30:24:
  • The LORD shall add to me another son.
  • * 1667 , (John Milton), (Paradise Lost):
  • Back to thy punishment, False fugitive, and to thy speed add wings.
  • To append, as a statement; to say further.
  • * 1855 , (Thomas Babington Macaulay), The History of England from the Accession of James the Second , volume 3, page 37 [http://books.google.com/books?id=w_M9AAAAcAAJ&pg=PA37&dq=added]:
  • He added that he would willingly consent to the entire abolition of the tax
  • * 1900 , , (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz) Chapter 23
  • "Bless your dear heart," she said, "I am sure I can tell you of a way to get back to Kansas." Then she added , "But, if I do, you must give me the Golden Cap."
  • To make an addition. To add to, to augment; to increase.
  • * 1611 , King James Version, 1 Kings 12:14:
  • I will add to your yoke
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2013-06-29, volume=407, issue=8842, page=72-3, magazine=(The Economist)
  • , title= A punch in the gut , passage=Mostly, the microbiome is beneficial.
  • (mathematics) To perform the arithmetical operation of addition.
  • Synonyms

    * annex * coalesce * join * unite * mention, note

    Antonyms

    * (quantity) subtract * (matter) remove

    Usage notes

    * We add by bringing things together so as to form a whole. * We join by putting one thing to another in close or continuous connection. * We annex by attaching some adjunct to a larger body. * We unite by bringing things together so that their parts adhere or intermingle. * Things coalesce by coming together or mingling so as to form one organization. * To add' quantities; to '''join''' houses; to '''annex''' territory; to '''unite''' kingdoms; to make parties ' coalesce

    Derived terms

    * * addition * additive * add-on * add up

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (video games) An additional enemy that joined the fight after the primary target.
  • After engaging the boss for one minute, two adds will arrive from the back and must be dealt with.
  • (computer science) An act or instance of adding.