exponential
Say it: ek-spuh-NEN-shul /ˌɛkspəˈnɛnʃ(ə)l/ · adjective
What “exponential” means
Growing by the same multiplier each time.
More precisely: Growing by a constant multiple each period, so it accelerates rapidly; often misused to mean just 'fast'.
When to use it
In maths or careful everyday talk, for growth that repeatedly multiplies, rather than merely adding a fixed amount.
Memory trick
Picture doubling: one becomes two, then four, then eight, then sixteen.
Similar words
accelerating, compounding, snowballing
Quick check
A pond's patch of duckweed doubles in area every week while conditions stay suitable. What kind of growth is this?
exponential or linear?
Show the answer
exponential
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