multifarious

adjective

mul·​ti·​far·​i·​ous ˌməl-tə-ˈfer-ē-əs 

: having or occurring in great variety : diverse

participated in multifarious activities in high school

multifariousness noun

Did you know?

Before the late 16th-century appearance of multifarious, there was another word similar in form and meaning being used: multifary, meaning "in many ways," appeared—and disappeared—in the 15th century. Before either of the English words existed, there was the Medieval Latin word multifarius, from Latin multifariam, meaning "in many places" or "on many sides." Multi-, as you may know, is a combining form meaning "many." A relative of multifarious in English is omnifarious ("of all varieties, forms, or kinds"), created with omni- ("all") rather than multi-.

Synonyms

• divers
• manifold
• myriad

Examples of multifarious in a Sentence

the multifarious interests and activities in which Benjamin Franklin immersed himself

Recent Examples on the Web

Ralph Fiennes plays the sleuth-like Cardinal Lawrence overseeing the selection of a new pope, amid icy glares, hidden agendas and multifarious intrigue. —Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 10 Oct. 2024

True, the Post’s concern here was focused on questions about personal transactions by Fed officials, but the modes of impairment that can threaten the public’s faith in the institution are multifarious. —George Calhoun, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024

Though his features are few — the character never gets an aria of his own — his voice is a thing of multifarious sumptuousness. —Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2024

The multifarious New Delhi collective devours genres with similar aplomb, taking nibbles from psychedelia, indie-rock, pop, jazz, and more on Beta. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 9 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin multifarius, from Latin multifariam in many places

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

multifarious

adjective

mul·​ti·​far·​i·​ous ˌməl-tə-ˈfar-ē-əs 

-ˈfer-

: of many and various kinds

the multifarious sounds of the city

Legal Definition

multifarious

adjective

mul·​ti·​far·​i·​ous ˌməl-ti-ˈfar-ē-əs 

: having or occurring in great variety : diverse

also : uniting usually in an improper way distinct and independent matters, subjects, or causes

point one is multifarious, and we must break it down for analysis: a) the alleged reformation of the decree; and b) the order that appellant pay

—Spradley v. Hutchison, 787 S.W.2d 214 (1990)

compare misjoinder

multifariousness noun