Thrice vs. Triple — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 3, 2024
"Thrice" means three times in succession, commonly used in the context of frequency; "triple" means to multiply by three, typically used to describe an increase in quantity or size.
Difference Between Thrice and Triple
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Thrice" is an adverb used to indicate that an action or event occurs three times. For example, saying "She checked her messages thrice" implies the action was repeated three times. On the other hand, "triple" is used both as a verb and an adjective, meaning to increase threefold or to describe something consisting of three parts.
While "thrice" is often associated with the frequency of actions within a given timeframe, "triple" commonly refers to numerical increase or scale. For instance, if a company says it plans to triple its output, this indicates a multiplication of production levels by three.
The use of "thrice" can be seen as somewhat archaic or formal in modern conversational English, often replaced by "three times." Conversely, "triple" remains widely used in both colloquial and formal contexts, especially in expressions like "triple threat" in entertainment or "triple layer" in descriptions of products.
In terms of linguistic preference, "thrice" is less likely to be used in casual dialogue, fitting better into written or formal speeches. Whereas "triple" is adaptable, fitting comfortably in both everyday conversations about measurements or quantities and in technical or business discussions.
The utility of "thrice" is primarily in literary or detailed descriptive contexts, enhancing the rhythmic or traditional tone of texts. Meanwhile, "triple" serves a broader function, from sports commentary (e.g., triple jump) to financial reports (e.g., triple the revenue).
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adverb
Adjective, verb
Meaning
Indicates an action occurs three times
To multiply by three; consisting of three parts
Usage Context
Formal, less common in modern speech
Common in various contexts, versatile
Example of Use
Thrice a year
Triple the amount, triple-layer cake
Tone
Somewhat archaic, formal
Neutral, adaptable
Compare with Definitions
Thrice
Used to describe something happening three times.
He rang the bell thrice.
Triple
Describing something made up of three parts.
She ordered a triple scoop ice cream.
Thrice
Seen as traditional or old-fashioned.
She visited thrice before receiving a response.
Triple
To increase or become three times as much.
His investment tripled in value over five years.
Thrice
Conveys a precise frequency in actions or events.
Thrice I called, and thrice he failed to answer.
Triple
Used as a verb in contexts of multiplication.
The company aims to triple its production by next year.
Thrice
Indicates repetition in specific intervals.
The meeting occurs thrice annually.
Triple
Common in sports and measurements.
He won the triple jump event at the school sports day.
Thrice
Often used for emphasis in formal or literary contexts.
Thrice blessed are those who persevere.
Triple
Versatile in modern usage, fitting various contexts.
The device features a triple camera system.
Thrice
Thrice is an American rock band from Irvine, California, formed in 1998. The group was founded by guitarist/vocalist Dustin Kensrue and lead guitarist Teppei Teranishi while they were in high school.
Triple
Consisting of or involving three items or people
Triple somersaults
A triple murder
Thrice
Three times
A dose of 25 mg thrice daily
Triple
A thing that is three times as large as usual or is made up of three standard units or items
Two whiskies—triples, please
Thrice
Three times.
Triple
A sporting contest in which each side has three players.
Thrice
In a threefold quantity or degree.
Triple
A system of change-ringing using seven bells, with three pairs changing places each time.
Thrice
(Archaic) Extremely; greatly.
Triple
A hit which enables the batter to reach third base.
Thrice
(dated) Three times.
Triple
Become three times as much or as many
Grain prices were expected to triple
Thrice
Three times.
Verily I say unto thee. That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
Triple
Hit a triple
He tripled into right field
Thrice
In a threefold manner or degree; repeatedly; very.
Thrice noble lord, let me entreat of youTo pardon me.
Thrice is he armed that hath his quarrel just.
Triple
Consisting of three parts or members.
Thrice
Three times;
I called you thrice last night
Triple
Three times as much in size, strength, number, or amount.
Triple
(Music) Having three beats to a measure.
Triple
A number or quantity three times as great as another.
Triple
Something having three identifiable or prominent parts or members.
Triple
Something capable of carrying or moving three people or things, as a chairlift.
Triple
(Baseball) A hit enabling the batter to reach third base. Also called three-bagger, three-base hit.
Triple
See trifecta.
Triple
To make three times as great in number or amount.
Triple
To be or become three times as great in number or amount.
Triple
(Baseball) To make a triple.
Triple
Made up of three related elements, often matching
The triple markings on this vase are quite unique.
Triple
Of three times the quantity.
Give me a triple serving of mashed potatoes.
Triple
Designed for three users.
A triple room
Triple
Folded in three; composed of three layers.
Triple
Having three aspects.
A triple meaning
Triple
(music) Of time, three times as fast as very fast.
Triple
(obsolete) One of three; third.
Triple
Three times or thrice the number, amount, size, etc..
Triple
(informal) A drink with three portions of alcohol.
I've had a hard day; make that a triple.
Triple
(US) A hamburger with three patties.
I'd like a triple with cheese.
Triple
(baseball) A three-base hit.
The shortstop hit a triple to lead off the ninth.
Triple
(basketball) A three-point field goal.
Triple
(curling) A takeout shot in which three stones are removed from play.
Triple
A sequence of three elements or 3-tuple.
Triple
To multiply by three.
The company tripled their earnings per share over last quarter.
Triple
(baseball) To get a three-base hit.
The batter tripled into the gap.
Triple
To become three times as large.
Our earnings have tripled in the last year.
Triple
To serve or operate as (something), in addition to two other functions.
Triple
Consisting of three united; multiplied by three; threefold; as, a triple knot; a triple tie.
By thy triple shape as thou art seen.
Triple
Three times repeated; treble. See Treble.
Triple
One of three; third.
Triple
To make threefold, or thrice as much or as many; to treble; as, to triple the tax on coffee.
Triple
A base hit at which the batter stops safely at third base
Triple
A quantity that is three times as great as another
Triple
Increase threefold;
Triple your income!
Triple
Hit a three-base hit
Triple
Having three units or components or elements;
A ternary operation
A treble row of red beads
Overcrowding made triple sessions necessary
Triple time has three beats per measure
Triplex windows
Triple
Three times as great or many;
A claim for treble (or triple) damages
A threefold increase
Common Curiosities
How is "triple" used differently from "thrice"?
"Triple" is used to describe multiplication by three or something composed of three parts, whereas "thrice" refers to frequency.
Can "triple" be used as both a verb and an adjective?
Yes, "triple" can function as both, e.g., to triple an amount or a triple-layer cake.
What does "thrice" mean?
It means something occurs three times.
Is there a difference in formality between "thrice" and "triple"?
"Thrice" is more formal and traditional, while "triple" is more versatile and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
What are the origins of "thrice"?
It comes from the Old English "thrīga", which means three times.
Does "triple" have synonyms?
Yes, synonyms include treble, threefold, or tripartite.
How can I replace "thrice" in modern English?
You can simply say "three times" as a more modern and common replacement.
Is "triple" ever used in technology?
Yes, it's used to describe features like triple-camera systems in smartphones.
What are some examples of "triple" in everyday usage?
Examples include triple the size, triple the speed, or a triple-threat performer.
Is "thrice" common in everyday language?
No, it's considered formal and somewhat archaic, less common in casual speech.
How does "triple" relate to measurements?
It's often used in contexts where amounts, sizes, or capacities are increased by three times.
Can "triple" imply success in business contexts?
Yes, using "triple" can imply significant growth or success, as in tripling profits or output.
What literary effect does "thrice" have?
It can add a rhythmic or solemn tone to writing, often used for emphasis in literary texts.
What makes "thrice" less preferred in modern speech?
Its somewhat archaic sound and formality make it less preferred in casual conversation.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
