How Do You Spell SEVERALFOLD?

Pronunciation: [sˈɛvəɹˌalfə͡ʊld] (IPA)

The word "severalfold" is spelled with four syllables: SEV-er-uhl-fould. The first syllable, "SEV," is pronounced with a short e sound, similar to "set." The second syllable, "er," is pronounced with a schwa sound, which is a neutral vowel sound. The third syllable, "uhl," is pronounced with the "uhl" sound, like "hull" or "bull." The final syllable, "fould," is pronounced with a long o sound, like "old." Altogether, "severalfold" means multiple times or in several ways.

SEVERALFOLD Meaning and Definition

1. The term "severalfold" is an adjective that describes something that has increased or multiplied by several or many times. It is often used to emphasize a significant or notable increase or enlargement of something. The word is typically used in the context of comparing the current state or quantity of something to a previous or expected state, highlighting the significant growth or expansion.

   For example, if someone says that the profits of a company have increased severalfold, it means that the earnings have multiplied by several times compared to a previous period. Similarly, if someone mentions that the population of a city has grown severalfold over the past decade, it indicates a substantial increase in the number of residents, possibly two, three, or more times the original figure.

   The term "severalfold" is derived from the word "several," suggesting a number greater than two or a considerable amount, and "fold," which refers to multiplication or an increase in quantity. When combined, "severalfold" intensifies the notion of multiplication or enlargement, emphasizing the magnitude or extent of the increase.

   Overall, "severalfold" serves as a descriptive adjective denoting a notable and significant enlargement or multiplication of something, often indicating an impressive increase or growth compared to a previous state or expectation.

Etymology of SEVERALFOLD

The word "severalfold" is a compound word consisting of the word "several" and the suffix "-fold".

The term "several" originated from the Latin word "separalis", which means "a few" or "individual". It was later adapted into Old French as "severel" and later into Middle English as "several". Originally, "several" referred to separate or distinct individuals or things.

The suffix "-fold" comes from the Old English word "feald", which means "folded" or "times". It is related to the Old Norse word "faldr", meaning "a fold".

Therefore, "severalfold" can be understood as "several times" or "multiplied by several". It is used to indicate a large or significant increase or multiplication of something.