Cool MateDecrease
UK //dɪˈkriːs//US //dɪˈkriːs//
Definition
To make something less in amount, size, or degree.
In simple words: To make something smaller or lower.
Examples
- The government plans to decrease taxes next year.
- He tried to decrease his spending habits.
- As the temperature decreases, it becomes more comfortable outside.
- They hope to decrease the amount of waste generated by the factory.
- The medication helped to decrease her pain significantly.
- To improve health, it's essential to decrease sugar intake.
Usage notes
Use 'decrease' in formal and neutral contexts to describe reductions, such as in appetite or temperature.
Grammar pattern
decrease + object
Memory hint
Think of 'decrease' as 'de-crease' – like making a crease smaller.
Collocations
- decrease in size
- decrease in temperature
- significantly decrease
- gradually decrease
- decrease the risk
Synonyms
- reduce
- diminish
- lessen
- cut
- shrink
Antonyms
- increase
- rise
- augment
Common mistakes
- Confusing 'decrease' with 'increase'.
- Using 'decrease' without an object, e.g. 'decrease' must have something to decrease.
- Incorrectly conjugating the verb in different tenses.