Decrease

Definition

Decrease is a verb and noun that refers to the process of reducing or becoming smaller in size, quantity, intensity, or extent. As a noun, it represents the amount by which something has been reduced or lessened.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• Verb IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈkris/
• Noun IPA Pronunciation: /ˈdiːˌkris/
• Verb Respelling: dih-KREES
• Noun Respelling: DEE-krees

British English

• Verb IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈkriːs/
• Noun IPA Pronunciation: /ˈdiːˌkriːs/
• Verb Respelling: dih-KREES
• Noun Respelling: DEE-krees

Etymology

The word "decrease" originates from the Latin "decrescere," meaning "to grow less," combining "de-" (down, away) and "crescere" (to grow). It entered Middle English through Old French as "decreistre" and developed to mean a reduction in amount or size.

Derivatives

• Decreased (verb/adjective)
• Decreasing (verb/adjective)
• Decreasable (adjective)
• Decreaseable (adjective)
• Decrement (noun)

Synonyms

• Reduce
• Diminish
• Decline

Antonyms

• Increase
• Grow
• Expand

Usage

The term "decrease" is used in various contexts to denote reduction, as in "The company aims to decrease its carbon footprint." It can also refer to a decline in value or amount, such as "There was a decrease in sales last quarter."

Related Terms

• Reduction: The action or process of making something smaller or less in amount.
• Diminution: A reduction in the size, extent, or importance of something.
• Decline: A gradual and continuous loss of strength, numbers, or quality.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To become smaller or fewer in size, amount, or intensity: Describes the process of reduction or lessening.
  • Example: "The temperature will decrease overnight."
• To reduce the quantity or size of something: Refers to the act of making something smaller or less in degree or quantity.
  • Example: "They plan to decrease spending next year."

Noun

• A reduction in size, quantity, or extent: Represents the amount or rate by which something has become smaller or less.
  • Example: "There was a noticeable decrease in pollution after the new regulations were implemented."