Multifarious
/ˌmʌltɪˈfɛriəs/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Multifarious describes something that has many different kinds or forms all together. It can be used to talk about things, people, or ideas that are very varied and include many different elements.
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See It in Action
Having many different parts or types
- •The festival offered multifarious activities including music, dance, food, and games.
- •She has multifarious talents in painting, singing, and writing.
- •The company's multifarious products range from electronics to clothing.
Showing great variety or diversity
- •The garden was full of multifarious flowers of many colors and shapes.
- •His interests are multifarious, covering sports, science, and literature.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'multifarious' like 'many' or 'varied' (A1 words), but it means MANY different kinds at once, not just a large number
- ✓Picture a colorful box filled with all kinds of toys, books, and clothes mixed together — many different types all in one place
- ✓It's the feeling when you walk into a busy market with many different smells, colors, and sounds all mixed together
- ✓Sounds like 'multi' (many) + 'various' (different) → imagine a big mix of many different things
- ✓Think of a library with multifarious books: fiction, science, history, art — all sorts of topics in one place
- ✓NOT like 'single' or 'simple' (one kind), multifarious means many kinds mixed together
- ✓NOT like 'similar' (things that are almost the same), multifarious means very different kinds
- ✓NOT like 'few' or 'some,' but a large variety or many different types
Try Other Words
- •Varied: having different kinds or types (Use when emphasizing variety but less formal)
- •Diverse: showing a range of different things or people (Use when focusing on difference and variety)
- •Multiple: more than one or many (Use when focusing on number rather than variety)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: 'multi-' (many) + 'farious' (from Latin 'various,' meaning different or varied)
- •Etymology: From Latin 'multifarius,' meaning 'manifold' or 'many kinds'
- •Historical development: Entered English in the early 1600s to describe something with many parts or forms
- •Modern usage: Used in formal or academic language to describe things with many different types or aspects
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a place or event in your life that was multifarious? What made it so varied?
•How does having multifarious skills or interests help a person in their daily life or work?
Fill in the blanks
1.The museum's collection is multifarious, including paintings, sculptures, and ___ from many countries.
2.She enjoys multifarious hobbies because they allow her to explore ___ areas of interest.
3.Unlike a simple menu, the restaurant offers multifarious dishes that ___ from traditional to modern.
4.A multifarious group of people means they come from ___ backgrounds and cultures.
5.The festival was multifarious, with music, dance, food, and games all happening ___.
6.When a company has multifarious products, it usually serves many different ___.
7.Multifarious interests often help people ___ new ideas and experiences.