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Increase vs Add - What's the difference?

increase | add |

In transitive terms the difference between increase and add

is that increase is to make (a quantity) larger while add is to append, as a statement; to say further.

As verbs the difference between increase and add

is that increase is to become larger while add is to join or unite, as one thing to another, or as several particulars, so as to increase the number, augment the quantity, or enlarge the magnitude, or so as to form into one aggregate. Hence: To sum up; to put together mentally.

As nouns the difference between increase and add

is that increase is an amount by which a quantity is increased while add is an additional enemy that joined the fight after the primary target.

increase

English

Alternative forms

* encrease

Verb

(increas)
  • (of a quantity) To become larger.
  • * Bible, Genesis vii. 17
  • The waters increased and bare up the ark.
  • * Shakespeare
  • The heavens forbid / But that our loves and comforts should increase , / Even as our days do grow!
  • To make (a quantity) larger.
  • * {{quote-magazine, year=2013, month=July-August, author= Fenella Saunders, magazine=(American Scientist)
  • , title= Tiny Lenses See the Big Picture , passage=The single-imaging optic of the mammalian eye offers some distinct visual advantages. Such lenses can take in photons from a wide range of angles, increasing light sensitivity. They also have high spatial resolution, resolving incoming images in minute detail.}}
  • To multiply by the production of young; to be fertile, fruitful, or prolific.
  • * Sir M. Hale
  • Fishes are more numerous of increasing than beasts or birds, as appears by their numerous spawn.
  • (astronomy) To become more nearly full; to show more of the surface; to wax.
  • The Moon increases .

    Synonyms

    * (become larger) go up, grow, rise, soar (rapidly), shoot up (rapidly) * (make larger) increment, raise, (informal) up

    Antonyms

    * (become larger) decrease, drop, fall, go down, plummet (rapidly), plunge (rapidly), reduce, shrink, sink * (make larger) cut, decrease, decrement, lower, reduce

    Derived terms

    * increasable

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • An amount by which a quantity is increased.
  • * {{quote-magazine, year=2013, month=July-August, author= Philip J. Bushnell
  • , magazine=(American Scientist), title= Solvents, Ethanol, Car Crashes & Tolerance , passage=Surprisingly, this analysis revealed that acute exposure to solvent vapors at concentrations below those associated with long-term effects appears to increase the risk of a fatal automobile accident. Furthermore, this increase in risk is comparable to the risk of death from leukemia after long-term exposure to benzene, another solvent, which has the well-known property of causing this type of cancer.}}
  • For a quantity, the act or process of becoming larger
  • (knitting) The creation of one or more new stitches; see .
  • Synonyms

    * (amount by which a quantity is increased) gain, increment, raise, rise

    Antonyms

    * (amount by which a quantity is increased) cut, decrease, decrement, drop, fall, loss, lowering, reduction, shrinkage

    add

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To join or unite, as one thing to another, or as several particulars, so as to increase the number, augment the quantity or enlarge the magnitude, or so as to form into one aggregate. Hence: To sum up; to put together mentally.
  • * (rfdate) (John Locke)
  • as easily as he can add together the ideas of two days or two years.
  • To combine elements of (something) into one quantity.
  • To give by way of increased possession (to any one); to bestow (on).
  • * 1611 , King James Version, Genesis 30:24:
  • The LORD shall add to me another son.
  • * 1667 , (John Milton), (Paradise Lost):
  • Back to thy punishment, False fugitive, and to thy speed add wings.
  • To append, as a statement; to say further.
  • * 1855 , (Thomas Babington Macaulay), The History of England from the Accession of James the Second , volume 3, page 37 [http://books.google.com/books?id=w_M9AAAAcAAJ&pg=PA37&dq=added]:
  • He added that he would willingly consent to the entire abolition of the tax
  • * 1900 , , (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz) Chapter 23
  • "Bless your dear heart," she said, "I am sure I can tell you of a way to get back to Kansas." Then she added , "But, if I do, you must give me the Golden Cap."
  • To make an addition. To add to, to augment; to increase.
  • * 1611 , King James Version, 1 Kings 12:14:
  • I will add to your yoke
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2013-06-29, volume=407, issue=8842, page=72-3, magazine=(The Economist)
  • , title= A punch in the gut , passage=Mostly, the microbiome is beneficial.
  • (mathematics) To perform the arithmetical operation of addition.
  • Synonyms

    * annex * coalesce * join * unite * mention, note

    Antonyms

    * (quantity) subtract * (matter) remove

    Usage notes

    * We add by bringing things together so as to form a whole. * We join by putting one thing to another in close or continuous connection. * We annex by attaching some adjunct to a larger body. * We unite by bringing things together so that their parts adhere or intermingle. * Things coalesce by coming together or mingling so as to form one organization. * To add' quantities; to '''join''' houses; to '''annex''' territory; to '''unite''' kingdoms; to make parties ' coalesce

    Derived terms

    * * addition * additive * add-on * add up

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (video games) An additional enemy that joined the fight after the primary target.
  • After engaging the boss for one minute, two adds will arrive from the back and must be dealt with.
  • (computer science) An act or instance of adding.