Manifold Meaning
/ˈmænɪˌfoʊld/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjVarious in kind, quality, or manifestation; diverse.
adjMany in number; numerous.
Sentence Examples
The novel gives a manifold picture of human life.
The benefits will be manifold.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ benefits of regular exercise include better sleep, mood, and heart health.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The reasons for the company's success are ____, including a strong leadership team and innovative ideas.
Word Origin & History
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”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"[E]ch man as he receyuede grace, mynistringe ‘it in to ech other, as goode dispenderes of the manyfolde grace of God."
— c. 1382–1395, John Wycliffe [et al.], edited by Josiah Forshall and Frederic Madden, The Holy Bible, […], volume IV (in Middle English), Oxford: At the University Press, published 1850, →OCLC, I. Peter IV:10, page 612:
"To the intent that now vnto the principalities and powers in heauenly places, might be knowen by the church, the manifold wisedome of God, […]"
— 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Ephesians 3:10:
"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: […]"
— 1549 March 7, Thomas Cranmer [et al.], compilers, “The Supper of the Lorde, and the Holy Communion, Commonly Called the Masse”, in The Booke of the Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacramentes, […], London: […] Edowardi Whitchurche […], →OCLC, folio cxxix, recto:
"when his daughter deare he does behold, / Her dearely doth imbrace, and kisseth manifold."
— 1590, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene, book 1, canto 12:
"It was found necessary to clear the entire piers from the mass of onlookers, or else the fatalities of the night would have been increased manifold."
— 1897, Bram Stoker, Dracula:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ benefits of regular exercise include better sleep, mood, and heart health.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The reasons for the company's success are ____, including a strong leadership team and innovative ideas.