Meaning & Definition of word "Decrease"

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    Decrease

    /dɪˈkriːs/

    noun:

    • 1. a reduction in size, amount, or degree.
      • Example: There was a noticeable decrease in sales this quarter.
    • 2. the act of becoming smaller or fewer.
      • Example: The decrease in temperature was welcome after the hot summer.
    • 3. a decline or diminishment.
      • Example: The decrease in crime rates is attributed to better law enforcement.

    verb:

    • 1. to make or become smaller or fewer in size, amount, intensity, or degree.
      • Example: The company decided to decrease its workforce to cut costs.
    • 2. to diminish or lessen in quantity or magnitude.
      • Example: The temperature will decrease significantly at night.
    • 3. to reduce the amount of something.
      • Example: She needs to decrease her sugar intake for better health.

    Etymology

    Middle English: from Old French decrescer, from Latin decrescere, from de- ‘down’ + crescere ‘to grow’.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    decrease in price:

    a reduction in the cost of something.

    decrease the risk:

    to lower the chance of a negative outcome.

    decrease in size:

    to become smaller in dimensions.

    Related Words

    reduction:

    the action or fact of making something smaller or less.

    diminution:

    the reduction or lessening of something.

    decline:

    to decrease in quantity or quality.

    Slang Meanings of decrease

    Meaning: cut down

    Example Sentence: I'm going to cut down on my spending this month.

    Meaning: trim back

    Example Sentence: We need to trim back on our expenses to save money.