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propagate

PROP-uh-gayt /ˈprɒpəɡeɪt/

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To breed or reproduce a plant or animal by natural processes; to spread an idea, belief, or practice.

In gardening, this usually refers to taking cuttings, dividing roots, or sowing seeds to create new plants. Metaphorically, it refers to spreading information, rumors, or waves through a medium.

The story behind the word. In ancient Rome, farmers would peg down the shoots of grapevines into the earth so they would take root and form new plants. This action was called 'propagare', from 'pro-' (forward) and 'pangere' (to fasten or drive in). Thus, propagation is literally 'fastening forward' the next generation.

Word relationships

reproduce: Reproduce is a general biological term, whereas propagate often implies human-assisted multiplication of plants (like taking cuttings).
disseminate: Disseminate is used exclusively for spreading information or seeds widely, whereas propagate can mean biological cloning as well.

extinguish: To wipe out or stop the spread of something entirely, whereas propagate is to multiply and spread.
suppress: To hold back or prevent from spreading, especially ideas or plant growth.

Commonly confused with

propaganda: Propaganda (biased information) shares the same Latin root because it was originally coined by the Catholic Church to describe the 'propagation' of the faith.

Word family

propagation (noun): The breeding of specimens of a plant or animal.
propagator (noun): A container or apparatus for raising plants from seeds or cuttings.

Collocations

propagate plants
propagate ideas
propagate cuttings
propagate a rumor

Example sentences

"It is surprisingly easy to propagate succulents from a single fallen leaf." Horticultural manual
"Social media algorithms are designed to propagate sensational news quickly." Sociological analysis

Memory hook

PROP up a plant's GATE to let its offspring march through and multiply. PROPAGATE = PRO-active PLANT-making.

When not to use

Do not use 'propagate' for simply buying more plants; it must involve the active biological reproduction or cloning of the plant.

Fun facts

The Vatican's 'Congregatio de Propaganda Fide' (Congregation for Propagating the Faith) is the historical source of our modern, often negative word 'propaganda'.

Related words

sow, cultivate, transplant

Explore more words

procreate, reproduce, proliferation, disseminate, germinate, promulgate