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exponential
Exponential (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology
IPA:

What does exponential mean?
Describing a rapid and significant increase or growth that occurs at an accelerating rate over time.
"The world's population has been growing at an exponential rate for centuries."
Detailed Meaning of Exponential
In mathematics and science, exponential growth is characterized by a consistent percentage increase in a quantity with each unit of time, resulting in a curve that rises steeply. This term is often applied to describe phenomena where the growth is proportional to the current quantity, leading to ever-increasing numbers. For instance, compound interest in finance, where interest is calculated on both the initial principal and the accumulated interest, leads to exponential growth in wealth over time. In biology, population growth can exhibit exponential patterns when resources are abundant. "Exponential" conveys a sense of dramatic acceleration and can describe various phenomena, from the rapid spread of information in the digital age to the proliferation of a viral outbreak, where the increase is not linear but multiplies with each iteration or time period.
Example Sentences for Exponential
1. The company experienced exponential growth in the last year.
2. His skills in coding improved at an exponential pace.
3. The demand for renewable energy is growing exponentially.
4. The internet has led to an exponential increase in information.
5. The population of the city is growing exponentially.
6. The exponential rise in technology has changed our lives.
Origin and Etymology of Exponential
The adjective 'exponential' has its etymological origins in the Latin word 'exponentia,' which is the feminine form of 'exponent,' meaning 'one who expounds' or 'one who sets forth.' In mathematics, an exponent denotes the power to which a number is raised, indicating how many times it is multiplied by itself. Over time, the term 'exponential' was adopted in English to describe phenomena characterized by rapid and significant increase or growth, particularly when such growth occurs at an accelerating rate over time. It reflects the idea that something is expanding or multiplying itself in a manner akin to the mathematical concept of exponents. Thus, 'exponential' maintains a clear connection to its original meaning of setting forth or expounding, but in its contemporary usage, it signifies a remarkable and accelerating increase or growth.
Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding
Find the correct meaning of the adjective exponential:
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More Usage Examples of Exponential
1. The startup's success was driven by exponential innovation.
2. The stock market witnessed an exponential surge in trading.
3. The spread of the virus was exponential in densely populated areas.
4. The popularity of the app has grown exponentially.
5. The field of artificial intelligence is advancing exponentially.
6. His savings grew exponentially due to wise investments.
7. The exponential expansion of e-commerce has transformed retail.
8. The benefits of education have an exponential impact on society.
9. The exponential increase in data requires robust storage solutions.
10. Advances in medical research are occurring at an exponential rate.
11. The pace of technological change is exponential.
12. The company's profits have risen exponentially in recent years.
13. The power of compound interest results in exponential growth.
14. The popularity of social media platforms has grown exponentially in recent years.
15. The rise of artificial intelligence has resulted in exponential advancements in technology.
16. The use of renewable energy sources is experiencing exponential growth.
17. The number of mobile phone users has grown exponentially over the past decade.
18. The demand for electric cars is expected to increase exponentially in the coming years.
19. The rate of technological change is exponential, making it difficult to keep up.
20. The amount of data generated each year is increasing exponentially.
21. The benefits of investing early in life can grow exponentially over time.
22. The spread of misinformation can occur at an exponential rate on social media.
Synonyms and Related Words for Exponential
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