exponential
Meaning: Relating to or involving exponents, or describing a rate of increase that becomes ever more rapid in proportion to the growing total.
In mathematics, exponential refers specifically to functions of the form e^x or a^x, where the variable appears as an exponent. In everyday and journalistic usage, it has broadened to mean any dramatically rapid increase, though purists argue this is imprecise. The term frequently collocates with 'growth,' 'increase,' 'rise,' and 'decay.'
Examples
- The exponential growth of social media users caught many analysts by surprise. 社交媒体用户的指数级增长令许多分析师始料未及。El crecimiento exponencial de los usuarios de redes sociales pilló desprevenidos a muchos analistas.ソーシャルメディアユーザーの指数関数的な増加は、多くのアナリストを驚かせました。소셜 미디어 사용자의 기하급수적인 증가는 많은 분석가들을 놀라게 했습니다.
- She studied exponential functions as part of her A-level mathematics course. 她在A-level数学课程中学习了指数函数。Estudió las funciones exponenciales como parte de su curso de matemáticas de A-level.彼女はAレベルの数学の授業で指数関数を学びました。그녀는 A-레벨 수학 과정의 일부로 지수함수를 공부했습니다.
- The spread of the virus followed an exponential curve during the first few weeks. 病毒在最初几周的传播呈指数曲线增长。La propagación del virus siguió una curva exponencial durante las primeras semanas.ウイルスの感染拡大は最初の数週間、指数関数的な曲線をたどりました。바이러스의 확산은 초기 몇 주 동안 지수함수적인 곡선을 따랐습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, scientific, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin exponere (to put forth), with the mathematical sense developing in the early 18th century from the concept of raising a base to a power, or exponent.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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