Threefold
/ˈθriː.foʊld/noun
Existing in three parts, occurring three times, or being three times as great.
Did you know?The number three has carried symbolic force across cultures—from Christian Trinitarian theology to magical three-part formulas—while “fold” preserves the physical image of layers being doubled or multiplied.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*tréyes
“Three; the ancestral numeral behind English “three” and many Greek, Latin, and Germanic forms.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pel-
“To fold, bend, or drive; a proposed root connected with the Germanic family behind “fold.””
Old English
Old English
þrīfeald
“Threefold; composed of three parts or layers.”
Middle English
Middle English
threfold
“Threefold; three times or in three parts.”
15th Century
English
threefold
“The modern compound spelling becomes established in English writing.”
Modern English
English
threefold
“Three times as much, or consisting of three elements.”