Definition

Adverb: By a factor of four; multiplied by four.

Usage

This adverb describes an increase, decrease, or comparison where the final amount is four times greater than the original amount. It is used to express a precise multiplicative relationship.

Examples

• The company's profits grew four times in the last quarter.
• This new material is four times stronger than the old one.
• He can run four times faster than I can.

Advanced Usage

• four times as [adjective] as: This common comparative structure emphasizes the factor of four.
  • The new stadium is four times as large as the old one.
• increase/rise/grow four times: Often used in financial, scientific, or statistical contexts to describe growth.
  • Demand for the product has increased four times since the advertisement aired.

Variants and Related Words

• Fourfold (adverb/adjective): Having four parts or being four times as great. It is a direct synonym.
  • A fourfold increase in capacity.
• Quadruple (verb/adjective): To increase or become four times as great; consisting of four parts.
  • They plan to quadruple their investment.

Synonyms

• Fourfold
• Quadruple (when used as a verb or adjective to describe the result)

Notes on Meaning

The phrase "four times" specifically denotes multiplication by four. It is not typically used to mean "on four separate occasions"; for that meaning, the phrase "four times" would usually appear in a context like "I called you four times," where it functions as an adverbial phrase of frequency. The definition provided focuses on the multiplicative sense.

Adverb

1. by a factor of four
   • the price of gasoline has increased fourfold over the past two years