διπλασιάζω
Lemma: διπλασιάζω
Translation: to double; to duplicate; to multiply by two (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek διπλάσιος (diplásios) meaning 'double, twice as much', which derives from διπλόος (diplóos) 'twofold, double'. The root διπλ- (dipl-) is related to English words with the prefix 'diplo-' such as 'diploma' and 'diplomat', all sharing the concept of something folded or doubled. The English cognate 'duplicate' shares the same semantic concept of doubling or making a copy.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'diploma' which comes from the same root and originally referred to a document folded in two.
- The 'διπλ-' (dipl-) root sounds like 'double' which is exactly what this verb means.
- Visualize folding a paper in half to double its thickness - διπλασιάζω.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Commonly used in mathematical, financial, and everyday contexts when referring to growth or increase. In Greek business and economic discussions, this verb is frequently used to describe significant growth in profits, population, or other metrics.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While διπλασιάζω means 'to double' in the sense of multiplying by two or increasing by 100%, διπλώνω means 'to fold' physically or 'to bend something in half'.
Confused word:
Διπλώνει τα ρούχα πριν τα βάλει στη βαλίτσα.
She folds the clothes before putting them in the suitcase.
Notes: Διπλασιάζω is more abstract and often used in mathematical or financial contexts, while διπλώνω is more concrete and physical.
Mnemonic: Διπλασιάζω deals with numbers and quantities (mathematical doubling), while διπλώνω deals with physical objects (folding).
Explanation: Διπλασιάζω specifically means 'to double' or 'multiply by two', while πολλαπλασιάζω means 'to multiply' by any number.
This word:
Διπλασίασε την ποσότητα ζάχαρης στη συνταγή.
He doubled the amount of sugar in the recipe.
Confused word:
Πολλαπλασίασε το πέντε επί τρία.
Multiply five by three.
Notes: Διπλασιάζω is a specific case of πολλαπλασιάζω, limited to multiplication by two.
Mnemonic: Διπλασιάζω contains 'διπλ-' (dipl-) which relates to 'two' or 'double', while πολλαπλασιάζω contains 'πολλαπλ-' suggesting 'multiple' or 'many'.