Definition

Adverb 1. By a factor of one thousand; to a very great degree or extent: Used to indicate multiplication or increase by one thousand, or to emphasize an extreme degree in a figurative sense.

Usage

• Literal Multiplication: Used to state that something is exactly one thousand times greater in quantity, amount, or degree.
  • The new processor is a thousand times faster than the old model.
  • A magnifying glass can make an object appear a thousand times larger.
• Figurative Emphasis: Used hyperbolically to express that something is vastly greater, better, worse, etc., not necessarily a precise multiplication.
  • I've told you a thousand times not to leave the door unlocked!
  • She felt a thousand times better after a good night's sleep.

Examples

• The concentration of the solution was increased a thousand times.
• He apologized a thousand times for his mistake.
• This method is a thousand times more efficient than the previous one.

Advanced Usage

• "A thousand times over": An emphatic variant used for strong affirmation or to indicate repetition or multiplication.
  • I would choose this path a thousand times over. (Meaning: without any doubt, repeatedly)
  • The investment paid for itself a thousand times over.
• "A thousand times no!": A very strong and emphatic refusal.
  • When asked if he would compromise his principles, his answer was, "A thousand times no!"

Variants and Related Words

• Thousandfold (adj/adv): Consisting of or increased by a thousand times; having a thousand parts or aspects. Often used similarly to "thousand times."
  • a thousandfold increase
  • The error was magnified thousandfold.
• A hundred times: A similar structure indicating multiplication by one hundred, often used for lesser emphasis.
• A million times: A similar structure indicating multiplication by one million, used for even greater emphasis.

Synonyms

• Immensely
• Vastly
• Infinitely (in figurative use)
• A great deal
• Exponentially (in technical contexts)

Related Phrases

• Time and again / Time after time: Repeatedly, on many occasions. (Similar in figurative use to "a thousand times" for repetition).
  • He has proven himself reliable time and again.
• Over and over (again): With frequent repetition.
  • She played the song over and over.

Related Idioms

• I've told you a thousand times: A common hyperbolic idiom expressing frustration at having to repeat a warning or instruction many times.
• A thousand times yes!: The enthusiastic opposite of "a thousand times no," expressing absolute and eager agreement.

Adverb

1. by three orders of magnitude
   • this poison is a thousand-fold more toxic