How Do You Spell FOURFOLD?

Pronunciation: [fˈɔːfə͡ʊld] (IPA)

The word "fourfold" is spelled with a combination of letters that may seem confusing to some. It is pronounced /ˈfɔːrfəʊld/ in IPA phonetic transcription. In this word, "four" is spelled with the "ou" combination instead of "o", and "fold" ends with a "d" instead of "ed". The reason for this spelling is that "four" derives from the Old English word "feower", which used the "ou" combination. Meanwhile, "fold" comes from the Middle English word "folden" and lost the "e" over time.

FOURFOLD Meaning and Definition

1. Fourfold is an adjective that refers to something four times as great or four times as much in quantity or size. It signifies a multiplication by four or the act of increasing something in four equal parts or measures. Derived from the word "four," fourfold indicates a quadrupling effect or outcome.

   The term commonly describes a numerical or quantitative relationship in which the value or magnitude of something is increased by a factor of four. For example, if an object's original size is X, and it becomes four times bigger, its size would be expressed as "fourfold." This can also be applied to rates or percentages, where a fourfold increase denotes a growth or change that is four times greater than the initial amount or level.

   Furthermore, fourfold can be used to describe divisions or categorizations split into four equal parts or divisions. It implies a subdivision, classification, or grouping that consists of four components. This can be observed in various contexts such as religion, philosophy, or sciences.

   In summary, fourfold is an adjective that describes something quadrupled in quantity or size, increased by a factor of four, or divided into four equal parts. It encompasses numerical, quantitative, and qualitative relationships involving multiplication or division by four, as well as categorizations with four components.

2. Four times told; quadruple.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for FOURFOLD

• forford
• fortold
• fourhold
• fourcolr
• Fourfele
• Fourfote
• Furfull
• Flourchld
• Fourld
• forfould

Etymology of FOURFOLD

The term "fourfold" is derived from the combination of two words: "four" and "fold".

"Four" originated from the Old English word "feower", which is akin to the Old Saxon word "fiwar", Old High German word "fior", and the Gothic word "fidwor". These words all trace back to the Proto-Germanic word "fehu-" meaning "four".

On the other hand, "fold" comes from the Old English word "fealdan", which means "to fold". It is related to the Old Norse word "falda", the Middle Dutch word "vouden", and the German word "falten", all of which also signify "to fold".

When these two words are combined, "fourfold" refers to something that is multiplied or repeated four times.

Similar spelling words for FOURFOLD

• four flush,
• Fooled,
• fearful,
• uphold,
• fluffed,
• forfeit,
• fouled.