Subtract: Definition, Usage & Examples Explained

Meaning 1：take away (subtract)

subtract 🔊

/səbˈtrækt/

vt.

to take one number away from another to see how much is left.

Child demonstrating subtraction on a chalkboard by taking away circles from a group of ten.

take away 🔊

➕

/teɪk əˈweɪ/

vt.

To remove a number or quantity from a larger one to find the remainder.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin: 'sub-' (under, away) + 'tractus' (to draw). Literally 'to draw away'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a cashier taking away money from a total on a cash register.

📖 Example

If you have ten candies and eat three, you subtract three from ten to find you have seven left. 🔊 If you possess ten pieces of candy and consume three of them, you remove three from ten to determine that seven remain.

🔗 Collocations

subtract from – To take away from a specific total.

subtract manually – To perform subtraction without using a calculator.

subtract automatically – For a machine or program to perform the subtraction.

🔄 Synonyms

deduct (vt.) – To take away an amount from a total, often used in financial contexts.

take away (phrasal v.) – A more informal, general phrase for removing a quantity.

remove (vt.) – To take something off or away from a place or group.

🚫 Antonyms

add (vt.) – To combine numbers or quantities to find their total.

🌱 Derivatives

subtraction (n.) – The mathematical operation of taking one number away from another.

subtractive (adj.) – Relating to or involving subtraction.

subtrahend (n.) – The number that is to be subtracted from another.

📖 Cultural Story

Originating from Latin 'subtrahere' ('sub-' away from + 'trahere' to draw). Entered Middle English via French, initially used in financial contexts to denote removing a part from a total.