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decrease - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'decrease' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Decrease [ n.]
- To grow less, -- opposed to increase; to be diminished gradually, in size, degree, number, duration, etc., or in strength, quality, or excellence; as, they days decrease in length from June to December.
2 . Decrease [ v.]
- A becoming less; gradual diminution; decay; as, a decrease of revenue or of strength.
- The wane of the moon.
3 . Decrease [ v. t.]
- To cause to grow less; to diminish gradually; as, extravagance decreases one's means.

Meaning of 'decrease' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . decrease [ n]
Meaning (1):
- a change downward
Example in sentence:
  • there was a decrease in his temperature as the fever subsided;
  • there was a sharp drop-off in sales
2 . decrease [ v]
Meaning (2):
- make smaller
Example in sentence:
  • He decreased his staff;
  • reduce an image;
  • The heat contracted the woollen garment
Meaning (3):
- decrease in size, extent, or range
Example in sentence:
  • her weight fell to under a hundred pounds;
  • his voice fell to a whisper;
  • The amount of homework decreased towards the end of the semester;
  • The cabin pressure fell dramatically

Nearby Words:

deca- decacerata decachord decachordon decad decadal decade decadence decadency decadent

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