First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1increase
verb in·crease \in-ˈkrēs, ˈin-ˌ\
: to become larger or greater in size, amount, number, etc.
: to make (something) larger or greater in size, amount, number, etc.
in·creasedin·creas·ing
Full Definition of INCREASE
intransitive verb
1
: to become progressively greater (as in size, amount, number, or intensity)
2
: to multiply by the production of young
transitive verb
1
: to make greater : augment
See increase defined for English-language learners
See increase defined for kids
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Origin of INCREASE
Middle English encresen, from Anglo-French encreistre, from Latin increscere, from in- + crescere to grow — more at crescent
Related to INCREASE
Synonym Discussion of INCREASE
increase, enlarge, augment, multiply mean to make or become greater. increase used intransitively implies progressive growth in size, amount, or intensity <his waistline increased with age>; used transitively it may imply simple not necessarily progressive addition <increased her landholdings>. enlarge implies expansion or extension that makes greater in size or capacity <enlarged the kitchen>. augment implies addition to what is already well grown or well developed <the inheritance augmented his fortune>. multiply implies increase in number by natural generation or by indefinite repetition of a process <with each attempt the problems multiplied>.
2increase
noun in·crease \ˈin-ˌkrēs, in-ˈ\
: the act of becoming larger or of making something larger or greater in size, amount, number, etc.
: the amount by which something is made larger or greater
Full Definition of INCREASE
1
: the act or process of increasing: as a : addition or enlargement in size, extent, or quantity b obsolete : propagation
2
: something that is added to an original stock or amount by augmentation or growth (as offspring, produce, profit)
— on the increase
: becoming greater (as in size, number, or amount) : increasing <crime is on the increase>
See increase defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of INCREASE
14th century
INCREASE Defined for Kids
1increase
verb in·crease \in-ˈkrēs\
in·creasedin·creas·ing
Definition of INCREASE for Kids
: to make or become greater <Skill increases with practice.>
Word Root of INCREASE
The Latin word crēscere, meaning “to grow,” gives us the root cresc or cre. Words from the Latin crēscere have something to do with growing. To increase is to grow greater in size or amount. To decrease is to grow smaller in size or amount. A crescendo in music is when the volume slowly grows louder.
2increase
noun in·crease \ˈin-ˌkrēs\
Definition of INCREASE for Kids
: an addition or enlargement in size, extent, or quantity <He received a pay increase.>
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