Meaning & Definition of word "Subtract"
Subtract
/səbˈtrækt/
verb:
- 1. To take away a number or amount from another to calculate the difference.
- Example: If you subtract 5 from 10, you get 5.
- 2. To diminish or reduce in amount or number.
- Example: You should subtract time spent on distractions from your total study hours.
- 3. To remove a part or portion from a whole.
- Example: They decided to subtract the sections of the report that were irrelevant to the main topic.
Etymology
●Late Middle English: from Latin 'subtrahere', from 'sub-' meaning 'from below, beneath' + 'trahere' meaning 'to draw, pull'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
subtracting time:
To account for duration taken away from an allocation.
subtract from:
To remove part of something, often in relation to amounts or quantities.
subtracting odds:
To consider or lessen probabilities or chances.
Related Words
addition:
The process of adding numbers together.
deduction:
The process of taking away or subtracting.
reduction:
The act of making something smaller in size, amount, or degree.
Slang Meanings of subtract
Meaning: Take away
● Example Sentence: Just subtract that from your total.
Meaning: Deduct
● Example Sentence: You can subtract that expense from your taxes.