Increase

Definition

Increase is a verb meaning to make something greater in size, amount, intensity, or degree. As a noun, it refers to the act of becoming larger or greater.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• Verb: IPA Pronunciation: /ɪnˈkriːs/
• Respelling: in-KREESS
• Noun: IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɪnkriːs/
• Respelling: IN-kreess

British English

• Verb: IPA Pronunciation: /ɪnˈkriːs/
• Respelling: in-KREESS
• Noun: IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɪnkriːs/
• Respelling: IN-kreess

Etymology

The word "increase" originates from the Latin "increscere," meaning "to grow" or "to rise," from "in-" (into) and "crescere" (to grow). It entered Middle English through Old French "encroistre," maintaining its dual meanings as both a noun and a verb.

Derivatives

• Increasing (verb/adjective)
• Increaseable (adjective)
• Increasement (noun, rare)
• Reincrease (verb)
• Increasingly (adverb)

Synonyms

• Expand
• Grow
• Amplify

Antonyms

• Decrease
• Reduce
• Diminish

Usage

The term "increase" is widely used in contexts related to growth, enhancement, or escalation. For example, "The company plans to increase its production capacity," or "There was a significant increase in customer demand last year."

Related Terms

• Growth: The process of increasing in size or number.
• Expansion: The act of becoming larger or more extensive.
• Enhancement: An improvement or augmentation of something.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To make something larger or greater in size, amount, or degree: Indicates active effort to expand or augment.
  • Example: "They decided to increase the budget for the project."
• To grow or rise in number or intensity: Describes a natural or spontaneous growth.
  • Example: "Traffic on the highway increased during the rush hour."

Noun

• The act or process of becoming larger or greater: Refers to growth or escalation.
  • Example: "There was an increase in sales this quarter."
• The amount by which something grows or becomes greater: Indicates the quantified result of growth.
  • Example: "The increase in temperature was recorded over the last decade."