multiform

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "multiform" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that exists in multiple forms or variations. Example: "The artist's work is known for its multiform expressions, showcasing a variety of styles and techniques."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Behind the legends and the multiform law collections, it is possible to discern a historical figure to whom the legends and the legislative activity can be attached.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Also known as black box theatres, laboratory theatres, modular theatres, multiform theatres, free form theatres, or environmental theatres, they can be reconfigured for each performance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it didn't last long: I got sick of looking at the same Rothko abstract "multiform" month after month, and I eventually decided that the painting was dull and smugly self-satisfied, even though it had formerly lulled me into pleasant, contemplative moods.

The New Yorker

That the sea, with its multiform and mysterious hosts, its savage and senseless rages, no longer comfortably serves as a divine metaphor indicates how severely humanism has corrupted the apples of our creed.

The New Yorker

The protagonist is a forty-two-year-old Los Angeles private detective named Nick Petrov, who, at first unknowingly, suffers from a form of brain cancer ("glioblastoma multiform") whose symptoms he attempts to rationalize or conflate with the progress of his current investigation.

The New Yorker

In the course of a hysterical tirade, he declares: Truth is just as complicated and multiform as everything else in the world — the magnet, the telephone, Impressionism, the magnet — and we are all a little bit what we were yesterday and a little bit what we are today; and also a little bit we're not these things.

The New Yorker

"Inspiration, though, is contagious, and multiform".

Independent

And no, we didn't see a Rothko multiform come to life before our eyes.

The New York Times

Inspiration, though, is contagious, and multiform — and even just to see, close up, power and aggression made vulnerable to beauty is to feel inspired and (in a fleeting, mortal way) reconciled.' That is awe-inspiring stuff, Mac.

The New York Times - Books

Anyway, people with a penchant for remembering, re-remembering and reimagining their own lives – and I imagine that's most of you – will see themselves reflected here, as if in a wall of multiform mirrors.

The New York Times

From that full-stop moment after a peaceful maraca solo by Mr. Remón — a pause in Rafael Hernández's "Cachita," one of the suites and multiform conceptual pieces during the set — Mr. Sanabria counted off a new tempo.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "multiform" to describe entities that exhibit a variety of shapes, appearances, or manifestations, particularly when emphasizing the diverse nature of these forms. For instance, describe a theatrical performance that has "multiform" elements to highlight its eclectic nature.

Common error

Avoid using "multiform" when simpler adjectives like "varied" or "diverse" suffice. "Multiform" is most effective when specifically emphasizing the presence of multiple distinct forms or appearances, not just general variety.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "multiform" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns by describing them as having multiple forms or appearances. This is consistent with Ludwig's examples, where "multiform" qualifies nouns such as "law collections", "theatres", and "mirrors".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "multiform" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term that means having multiple forms or appearances. Ludwig confirms its validity and illustrates its use across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While alternatives like "varied" or "diverse" may sometimes be more appropriate, "multiform" is particularly useful when emphasizing the distinct and varied shapes or manifestations of a subject. When using "multiform", make sure that its more specialized meaning is more appropriate than a more generic adjective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manifold

Indicates a great number or variety of forms or aspects.

varied

Emphasizes the diversity of forms or types.

diverse

Highlights the differences and distinct characteristics among multiple forms.

heterogeneous

Stresses the dissimilar nature of the different components or forms.

polymorphic

Focuses on the ability to exist in several different forms or types, often in biological or computer science contexts.

multidimensional

Suggests multiple aspects or dimensions rather than just forms.

complex

Indicates intricacy and multiple interacting parts, implying a variety of forms.

multifaceted

Highlights the many different aspects or sides of something, rather than just its forms.

assorted

Implies a collection of different items or forms.

mixed

Indicates a combination of different elements or forms.

FAQs

How can I use "multiform" in a sentence?

The word "multiform" is used to describe something that has many forms or appearances. For example: "The artist's work is known for its "multiform" expressions, showcasing a variety of styles and techniques."

What are some alternatives to the word "multiform"?

You can use alternatives such as "manifold", "varied", or "diverse" depending on the context.

Is "multiform" a commonly used word?

While "multiform" is a correct and usable word, it is not as common as simpler alternatives like "varied" or "diverse". It is best used when specifically emphasizing the presence of multiple distinct forms.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "multiform"?

"Multiform" is appropriate in contexts where you want to highlight the multiple shapes, appearances, or manifestations of something. It can be used in scientific, artistic, or general descriptive contexts to emphasize variety in form.