propagate

USAGE SUMMARY

"propagate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to spreading ideas, stories, or beliefs. For example, "The company is trying to propagate a new message to their customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They propagate the nation, the American, and the West generally, is at war with Islam; that's how they recruit, that's how they try to radicalise young people," he said.

The Guardian

Even then, since all the spectacular pomp of the funeral seemed designed to propagate the Thatcher myth, I was reminded of an even more pungent phrase from Eliot's Four Quartets: "human kind cannot bear very much reality".

The Guardian

As their main historian recounts, they "had no zealots in their midst with burning faith to propagate by fire and sword.

The Economist

They would like to propagate the vaccine as an epidemic.As in the biological world, a big problem with vaccines is that they cannot be created until the virus they seek to stop spreading has emerged.

The Economist

I humbly hope that your Excellency will champion honesty, propagate justice, and promote democracy…"Song died on March 22nd.

The Economist

In short, it has never been easier to propagate hatred and lies.

The Economist

Mabel's descendants would later propagate a view of her love for Austin as a beautiful romance, but to Emily's ears it can hardly have seemed elevated.

The Economist

Some even propagate an ideology reminiscent of the "revolutionary blood lineage" theory North Korean dictators use to justify dynastic succession.

The Economist

In an opinion clearly aimed at Mr Strine, the state Supreme Court last year called on judges to stop using rulings to "propagate their individual world views".Given the emphasis Delaware's courts put on consistency, any change is likely to be one of style more than substance.

The Economist

If the water going down the hole rotates faster than the ripples can propagate, the ripples which stray beyond the aqueous "event horizon" (a black hole's point of no return) will not make it out.

The Economist

Such detailed records of how earthquakes propagate would feed back into scientific understanding of tectonic ruptures.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "propagate", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning of spreading, disseminating, or extending something. It is often used for ideas, beliefs, or information.

Common error

While "propagate" is a correct and useful word, avoid overusing it in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler words like "spread" or "share" might be more appropriate in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "propagate" is as a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. It describes the action of causing something to spread or become widely known. Ludwig examples show it used to describe how ideologies or information are spread.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

24%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "propagate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb that signifies spreading or disseminating something, particularly ideas or information. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across diverse domains. Its prevalence in news, scientific, and business contexts underscores its versatility, while related phrases like disseminate and spread offer nuanced alternatives. When writing, consider the specific context to ensure "propagate" precisely conveys the intended meaning, while avoiding overuse in informal settings. The usage examples provided by Ludwig illustrate the multifaceted applications of this term, further solidifying its place in the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disseminate

Focuses on spreading information widely.

spread

A general term for extending influence or coverage.

circulate

Emphasizes the movement of something among many people.

broadcast

Implies a wide and public distribution.

promulgate

Suggests formally proclaiming or making something widely known.

diffuse

Highlights the scattering or dispersal of something.

extend

Refers to stretching or widening the scope of something.

transmit

Focuses on the act of conveying something from one point to another.

foster

Indicates encouraging the growth or development of something.

instill

Implies gradually imparting knowledge or values.

FAQs

How can I use "propagate" in a sentence?

You can use "propagate" to describe the spreading of ideas, beliefs, or information. For example, "The organization aims to propagate awareness about environmental issues."

What are some alternatives to "propagate"?

You can use alternatives like "disseminate", "spread", or "circulate" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "propagate the rumor"?

Yes, it's correct. "Propagate" is often used to describe the spreading of rumors or unverified information, as in "They are trying to propagate the rumor to damage his reputation."

What's the difference between "propagate" and "promote"?

"Propagate" generally means to spread or disseminate widely, while "promote" implies actively encouraging or advocating for something. You propagate an idea, but you promote a product or policy.