WordGarden.iomulti
B2Pronunciation
UK
US
- /ˈməlti/
Meanings
Adjective
having or involving several parts, people, uses, or kinds
Beyond the definition
As a prefix, "multi-" comes from Latin and means "many" or "more than one." It shows up when we talk about things that happen in several forms or have several parts. Think of a multicolored painting: it has many colors. Or a multitasking parent, who handles several jobs at once. You might attend a multi-day conference, which lasts for more than one day.
This prefix is often used to make new words for things with several parts or uses. A multimedia presentation uses different kinds of media, like video and audio. Multigrain bread contains different kinds of grains. It's a useful prefix when you want to show that something is not limited to just one.
The prefix "multi-" means "many" or "more than one." It comes from Latin and is added to other words to show number, variety, or several parts of something. You see it often in modern English, especially in words that describe things with many parts, many uses, or many kinds.
Think about a multi-billion-dollar company: it is worth many billions. Or consider a multicultural society, where people from different cultures live together. The idea is not only about number. It can also point to range or variety. If someone has many talents, they are good at several different things.
"Multi-" is not always only about quantity. Sometimes it also suggests variety or complexity. A multifaceted problem has many sides to think about. A multilayered cake has several layers, not just one.
You'll see "multi-" used in technology (multimedia, multitasking), business (multinational company), and everyday life (multipurpose cleaner). It is a flexible prefix that adds the idea of "many" or "several" to a word. So when you see a word that starts with "multi-," the main idea is usually simple: more than one, or many parts working together.
Examples
- 1
Clothing
She wore a multicolored scarf with bright red, green, and blue stripes.
- 2
Shared account
The app has a multi-user mode, so several people can share one account.
- 3
Ticket duration
We booked a multi-day ticket because we wanted to visit the museum twice.
- 4
City culture
The city feels very multicultural, with food, music, and languages from all over the world.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Global company
He works for a multinational company with offices in Tokyo, Berlin, and São Paulo.
- 6
Everyday item
I need a multi-purpose bag that works for the gym, the office, and weekend trips.
- Phrasemulti-purpose
useful for several different things
- 7
Game mode
This game is more fun in multiplayer mode than alone.
- Domainmultiplayer
played by more than one person
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- multiadjective