Increase
/ɪnˈkriːs/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo make or become larger or more numerous.
/ɪnˈkriːs/
To make or become greater in size, amount, or degree.
The population is expected to increase significantly.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're getting a bigger slice of cake! When something *increases*, it's like it's getting more – more cake, more money, more anything!
👶 For kids: To get bigger or more.
More Examples
The government decided to increase taxes.
He decided to increase the volume of his music.
How It's Used
"The company aims to increase its profits."
"Scientists observed an increase in the plant's growth rate."
An enlargement or gain.
/ˈɪnkriːs/
The act or process of increasing; an enlargement or addition.
The company reported an increase in revenue.
💡 Simply: Think of it like climbing a ladder. An *increase* is how much you go up! It could be a raise in your allowance or a growth in the number of friends you have.
👶 For kids: When something gets more.
More Examples
The doctor noticed an increase in the patient's heart rate.
There has been a steady increase in the price of gasoline.
How It's Used
"There was a significant increase in consumer spending."
"The chart shows an increase in sales over the last quarter."
Synonyms
Augment
Enlarge
Expand
Grow
Augmentation
Expansion
Growth
Idioms & expressions
increase exponentially
To increase at a very rapid and accelerating rate.
"The use of social media increased exponentially during the pandemic."
on the increase
Becoming more frequent or common.
"Crime rates are on the increase in the city."
From Middle English encresen, from Old French encreistre (to grow, increase), from Latin increscere (to grow into, increase), from in- (in) + crescere (to grow).
The word 'increase' has been used since the 13th century, initially referring to growth in physical terms, and later extending to abstract concepts.
Memory tip
Think of a balloon blowing up – it increases in size.