Meaning & use
manyfold or manifold
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Meanings
adjectivebefore a nounformal
Many and of various kinds; numerous and diverse.
Grammar: Used before a noun: manifold reasons. Not usually after a verb.
Patterns
- manifold reasons
- manifold benefits
- manifold problems
The project faced manifold difficulties, from funding shortages to staff turnover.
There are manifold benefits to learning a second language.
His manifold talents made him a valuable member of the team.
adverbformalliterary
In many ways or to a great degree; many times over.
Grammar: Rare; usually appears after a verb: increased manifold.
Patterns
- increase manifold
- multiply manifold
The city's population increased manifold over the decade.
Her worries multiplied manifold after the accident.
nouncountabletechnical
A pipe or chamber with several openings that divides a flow into multiple branches.
Grammar: Countable; often used in technical contexts: an exhaust manifold.
Patterns
- exhaust manifold
- intake manifold
The mechanic replaced the cracked exhaust manifold.
A manifold distributes the fuel evenly to each cylinder.
Common combinations
- manifold reasons
- She gave manifold reasons for her decision.
- manifold benefits
- Regular exercise has manifold benefits for health.
- exhaust manifold
- The exhaust manifold was leaking, causing a loud noise.
Synonyms and how they differ
- many
- Many is the everyday word for a large number; manifold is more formal and suggests variety as well as number.
- numerous
- Numerous means many and is common in formal writing; manifold often implies different kinds, not just a large quantity.
- multiple
- Multiple means more than one; manifold emphasizes a wide range or complexity.
Opposites
Word family
- manifoldly adverb
- In a manifold manner; rarely used.
Commonly confused: manyfold or manifold or manyfold?
manyfold or manifold vs manyfold
"Manyfold" is not a standard English word; it is likely a confusion with "manifold" or "many." Use "manifold" or "many" instead.
Practice
Which sentence uses the correct form?
Choose one answer.
"Manifold" is the correct adjective meaning many and varied. "Manyfold" is not standard, and "manifoldly" is an adverb, not an adjective.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “manyfold or manifold”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.