Exponential
/ˌɛkspəˈnɛnʃəl/
Definitions
Characterized by or involving exponents; a rapid increase or decrease, especially in a compound ratio.
/ˌɛkspəˈnɛnʃəl/
Increasing or decreasing rapidly by a factor related to a mathematical power
The virus spread at an exponential rate.
💡 Simply: Imagine a snowball rolling down a hill. It starts small, but then it gets bigger and bigger, faster and faster. That's kind of like exponential – things are growing really, really quickly!
👶 For kids: Growing or shrinking really, really fast, like a plant getting bigger every day!
More Examples
Technological advancements have led to exponential increases in processing power.
The data showed an exponential decline in sales.
How It's Used
"The exponential function describes the rapid growth of a quantity."
"Bacterial growth can be exponential under ideal conditions."
"The company experienced exponential growth in its first year."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Exponential growth
A rapid and increasing rate of growth.
"The company experienced exponential growth in the past year."
Exponential decay
A rapid and decreasing rate of reduction.
"The medication showed exponential decay of its effectiveness."
From Late Latin *exponentialis*, relating to or containing an exponent. The word derives ultimately from the Latin *exponere*, meaning 'to set forth, explain, or expose'.
The term 'exponential' has been used in mathematics and science since the 17th century to describe phenomena related to exponents and powers.
Memory tip
Think of an exponent in math, which causes rapid increase. Exponential growth is like the power of a large number rapidly multiplying itself.
Word Origin
"to set forth, explain, or expose"