verb
Uncommon
propagate
PRO-puh-gayt
Propagate (verb) means to spread or pass something on, such as information, a belief, or a disease. Example: “Rumors propagate quickly on social media.”
verb
1
To spread or pass something on, such as information, a belief, or a disease.
"Rumors propagate quickly on social media."
2
To breed plants or animals, or cause them to reproduce.
"Gardeners often propagate roses by taking cuttings."
3
Of a wave or signal, to travel or spread through a medium.
"Sound waves propagate more slowly through air than through water."
How to use propagate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo spread, multiply, or pass something along — whether it's plants, ideas, or waves.
Common pairings
propagate a plant
propagate a rumor
propagate a signal
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- propagates
- Past tense
- propagated
- Comparative
- more propagate
- Superlative
- most propagate
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Rumors _____ quickly on social media.
Etymology
First recorded in 1535, from Latin prōpāgātus, past participle of prōpāgāre.
Class of 1535
propagate joined the language around 1535.
See the full Class of 1535 →
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for propagate
See all rhymes for propagate →Frequently asked questions
What does “propagate” mean?
The word “propagate” means to spread or pass something on, such as information, a belief, or a disease. In plain terms, to spread, multiply, or pass something along — whether it's plants, ideas, or waves.
How do you pronounce “propagate”?
“Propagate” is pronounced PRO-puh-gayt (/ˈpɹɑpəˌɡeɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “propagate” in a sentence?
Here is “propagate” used in a sentence: “Rumors propagate quickly on social media.”
What part of speech is “propagate”?
“Propagate” is a verb.
Where does the word “propagate” come from?
The word “propagate” dates back to around 1535 and comes from Latin. First recorded in 1535, from Latin prōpāgātus, past participle of prōpāgāre.
Is “propagate” a common word?
“Propagate” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “propagate” have?
“Propagate” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to spread or pass something on, such as information, a belief, or a disease.
