ramify
|ram-i-fy|
/ˈræmɪfaɪ/
branch out
Etymology
'ramify' originates from Latin, specifically the Late Latin word 'ramificare', where 'rami-' meant 'branch' and '-ficare' (from 'facere') meant 'to make or do'.
'ramificare' entered Old French as 'ramifier' and from there the verb was adopted into English (recorded from the late 16th century) as 'ramify'.
Initially, it meant 'to make into branches' or 'to form branches', and over time it retained that literal meaning while also developing the figurative sense of 'producing widespread or complex consequences'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to split or branch out into subdivisions or offshoots (intransitive).
The river begins to ramify into several smaller streams as it reaches the plain.
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Verb 2
to cause to split into branches; to form branches (transitive).
Engineers ramify the distribution network to reach remote villages.
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Verb 3
to have complex, far-reaching, or branching consequences (often used figuratively).
The decision will ramify through the entire organization over the next year.
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Last updated: 2026/01/04 17:17