Decrease: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes

Meaning 1：become or make less (decrease)

decrease 🔊

/dɪˈkriːs/

to become less in number, amount, or size, or to make something become less.

Decrease illustrated by a smartphone showing a product price dropping during a sale.

become or make less 🔊

➕

/bɪˈkʌm ɔː(r) meɪk les/

This is the core meaning of the verb 'decrease'. It describes the process of something reducing in its numerical value, physical size, or overall amount. It can be an automatic process (intransitive) or a deliberate action (transitive).

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'de-' (down from) + 'crescere' (to grow).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of the 'de-' prefix meaning 'down', like descending. A decreasing number is going down.

📖 Example

The price in my cart will automatically decrease at midnight. 🔊 The cost of the item in my online shopping basket will go down by itself when the clock strikes midnight.

🔗 Collocations

decrease dramatically – to go down by a very large and noticeable amount

decrease by (10%) – to become less by a specific amount or percentage

decrease the risk – to make the chance of something bad happening lower

🔄 Synonyms

decline (v.) – to become smaller, fewer, or less; often used for gradual weakening.

diminish (v.) – to make or become less; can imply a reduction in importance or intensity.

reduce (v.) – to make something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size; often a deliberate action.

🚫 Antonyms

increase (v.) – to become or make greater in size, amount, or degree.

rise (v.) – to move from a lower position to a higher one; to increase.

grow (v.) – to increase in size or amount over a period of time.

🌱 Derivatives

decrease (n.) – an instance or the process of reducing or being reduced.

decreasing (adj.) – becoming less or smaller.

decreasingly (adv.) – in a way that becomes less common or significant.

📖 Cultural Story

The word entered English from Old French 'decreistre', originating from Latin 'decrescere'. In modern business and economics, a 'decrease' is a fundamental concept, frequently discussed in contexts like profit margins, inflation rates, and market demand.