What does "manifold" mean?
A copy made by the manifold writing process.
Manifold
/ˈmænɪˌfoʊld/ adj, adv, name, noun, verb
adj, adv, name, noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A copy made by the manifold writing process.
- Grammar: manifold is listed as adj, adv, name, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: accelerator, allotropic, array, assorted.
- Useful contrasts: nonmanifold, onefold, singlefold.
- Usage evidence: The novel gives a manifold picture of human life.
How to use "manifold"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "manifold" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "manifold" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "manifold" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "manifold" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "manifold" is acting as adj, adv, name, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "accelerator" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "manifold", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A copy made by the manifold writing process. historical
- 2 a pipe that has several lateral outlets to or from other pipes wordnet
- 3 A pipe fitting or similar device that connects multiple inputs and outputs.
- 4 a set of points such as those of a closed surface or an analogue in three or more dimensions wordnet
- 5 The third stomach of a ruminant animal, an omasum. US, dialectal, in-plural
"My conjecture being right he will find the third stomach, or manifolds, the seat of difficulty."
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 a lightweight paper used with carbon paper to make multiple copies wordnet
- 7 A Hausdorff topological space that looks locally like the "ordinary" Euclidean space ℝⁿ.
- 8 A polygon mesh representing the continuous, closed surface of a solid object
Verb
- 1 To make manifold; multiply. transitive
- 2 combine or increase by multiplication wordnet
- 3 To multiply or reproduce impressions of by a single operation. transitive
- 4 make multiple copies of wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Various in kind, quality, or manifestation; diverse.
"The manifold meanings of the English word set are infamous among lexicographers."
- 2 Many in number; numerous.
"And although we be vnworthy (through our manyfolde ſynnes) to offre vnto thee any Sacryfice: Yet we beſeche thee to accepte thys our bounden duetie and ſeruice: and commande theſe our prayers and ſupplicacions, by the Miniſtery of thy holy Angels, to be brought vp into thy holy Tabernacle before the ſyght of thy dyuine maieſtie: […]"
- 3 Complicated.
Adjective
- 1 many and varied; having many features or forms wordnet
Adverb
- 1 Many times; repeatedly.
"when his daughter deare he does behold, / Her dearely doth imbrace, and kisseth manifold."
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname. countable, uncountable
- 2 An unincorporated community in Washington County, Pennsylvania, United States. countable, uncountable
- 3 A river in Staffordshire, England, a tributary of the River Dove; in full, the River Manifold. countable, uncountable
Antonyms
Example
"The novel gives a manifold picture of human life."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "manifold"?
Common synonyms include: accelerator, allotropic, array, assorted, augment, auto.
How do you use "manifold" in a sentence?
The novel gives a manifold picture of human life.
How do you pronounce "manifold"?
Pronounced /ˈmænɪˌfoʊld/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English manifold, from Old English maniġfeald (“manifold, various, varied, complicated, numerous, abundant, plural”), from Proto-Germanic *managafalþaz, equivalent to many + -fold. Cognate with Middle High German manecvalt (“manifold”), Icelandic margfaldr (“multiple”). Compare also German mannigfaltig (“various”), Dutch menigvoudig (“various”), Danish mangefold (“multiple”), Swedish mångfald (“diversity”).
Etymology 2
From Middle English manifolden, from Old English maniġfealdan (“to multiply, abound, increase, extend, reward”), equivalent to many + -fold. Cognate with Middle High German manecvalten, Icelandic margfalda (“to multiply”), Swedish mångfaldiga (“to manifold, reproduce”).
Etymology 3
Unknown.