そうじょう
noun
synergy; mutual amplification
1. synergy; mutual amplification
Two or more factors reinforcing one another so that their combined result exceeds the simple sum. Almost always used in compounds, above all 相乗効果(そうじょうこうか).
(ふた)つの(くすり)相乗効果(そうじょうこうか)()まれる。
The two drugs produce a synergistic effect.
広告(こうこく)(くち)コミが相乗効果(そうじょうこうか)発揮(はっき)した。
Advertising and word of mouth produced a synergistic effect.
(ふた)つの政策(せいさく)相乗(そうじょう)して経済(けいざい)()()げた。
The two policies worked synergistically to lift the economy.

Literally "mutual multiplication." Distinct from 相加(そうか) (mutual addition); a synergistic result is multiplicative rather than merely additive. Used almost exclusively inside compounds.

COMMON COMPOUNDS:

  • 相乗効果(そうじょうこうか): synergistic effect (by far the most common)
  • 相乗作用(そうじょうさよう): synergistic action
  • 相乗的(そうじょうてき): synergistic (used adjectivally)