different between exponential vs expediential

English

Pronunciation

• (UK) enPR: ?k-sp?-n?n'-ch?l, IPA^(key): /??k.sp??.?n?n.t??l/
• (US) enPR: ?k-sp?-n?n'-ch?l, IPA^(key): /??k.spo?.?n?n.t??l/

Adjective

exponential

1. Relating to an exponent.
2. (mathematics) Expressed in terms of a power of e.
3. (mathematics) Characterised by a rate of change that is proportional to the value of the varying quantity, or, equivalently, by a doubling or halving over successive fixed intervals of time or other parameter.

   exponential growth, exponential decay

   There were two deaths on Monday, four on Tuesday, and eight on Wednesday. The rate of increase seems exponential.

4. (loosely) Characterised by a very rapid rate of change, especially increase.

Usage notes

• In non-technical contexts, the term is sometimes used loosely to refer to any kind of very rapid change, especially increase. This usage is often discouraged unless the change in question is truly exponential; synonyms such as dramatic may be favored instead.

Antonyms

• nonexponential

Derived terms

Translations

Noun

exponential (plural exponentials)

1. (mathematics) Any function that has an exponent as an independent variable.

References

• UCS - The World’s Population Hasn’t Grown Exponentially for at Least Half a Century

English

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?k?spi?di??n??l/

Adjective

expediential (comparative more expediential, superlative most expediential)

1. Governed by expediency; seeking advantage.
   • 1826, Julius Hare, Guesses at Truth by Two Brothers

     calculating, expediential understanding

Related terms

• expedientially