decrease

[dɪˈkriːs]

decrease Definition

• 1. to become or make something become smaller in size, amount, degree, importance, etc.
• 2. the process of becoming or making something become smaller in size, amount, degree, importance, etc.

Using decrease: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "decrease" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The company has decreased its workforce by 20%.

• Example

  The temperature is expected to decrease tomorrow.

• Example

  The government has promised to decrease taxes for small businesses.

• Example

  The demand for this product has decreased in recent years.

decrease Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for decrease

• reduce
• diminish
• lessen
• lower
• shrink

Antonyms for decrease

• increase
• expand
• grow
• rise
• augment

Phrases with decrease

• on the decrease

  becoming less or smaller in quantity, number, or size

  Example

  The number of COVID-19 cases is on the decrease in many countries.

• decrease by degrees

  to gradually become less or smaller

  Example

  The intensity of the storm decreased by degrees as it moved away from the coast.

• decrease in value

  a reduction in the monetary worth of something

  Example

  The stock market crash caused a significant decrease in the value of many people's investments.

Origins of decrease

from Old French 'descroistre', from Latin 'decrescere', from 'de-' (down) + 'crescere' (to grow)

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Summary: decrease in Brief

The verb 'decrease' [dɪˈkriːs] means to make something smaller in size, amount, degree, importance, etc. It is often used in the context of reducing workforce, taxes, or demand, as in 'The company has decreased its workforce by 20%.' 'Decrease' can also be used as a noun to refer to the process of becoming smaller. Phrases like 'on the decrease' and 'decrease by degrees' denote gradual reduction, while 'decrease in value' refers to a reduction in monetary worth.