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decrease — to become smaller or fewer in size, amount, or degree

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to become smaller or fewer in size, amount, or degree

Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈkriːs/

Example Sentences

  • My bank account decreases faster than my motivation to work out!
  • The number of people who remember my birthday decreases every year – apparently I'm not aging gracefully!
  • The government announced measures to decrease air pollution in major cities.

decrease

VERB

[/dɪˈkriːs/]

to become smaller or fewer in size, amount, or degree

The number of visitors decreased after the weather became colder.
💡 Concept

The number of visitors decreased after the weather became colder.

The company decreased costs by improving efficiency. (DOWN + REDUCE = DECREASE)
🧠 Mnemonic

The company decreased costs by improving efficiency. (DOWN + REDUCE = DECREASE)

Stress decreased after she released her worries and found peace.
🎵 Rhyme

Stress decreased after she released her worries and found peace.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/dɪˈkriːs/
🇬🇧 UK/dɪˈkriːs/

🌳Etymology

Prefixde--
Rootcreas/cres
Suffix--e

Origin

From Old French 'decreistre', derived from Latin 'decrescere', combining the prefix 'de-' (down, away) with 'crescere' (to grow). The word entered English through Norman French influence in the 13th century.

Breakdown

de- (down, away) + crease (from Latin crescere, to grow) = decrease (to grow down, to become smaller)

🎵Rhyme

increase
release
peace
lease
cease

🔗Collocations

sharp decrease

“There was a sharp decrease in profits.”

decrease rapidly

“Oil prices decreased rapidly.”

decrease in population

“The decrease in population affects the economy.”

steady decrease

“A steady decrease in crime rates is encouraging.”

decrease by half

“Sales decreased by half this quarter.”

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My bank account decreases faster than my motivation to work out!”

😄 Fun example

“The number of people who remember my birthday decreases every year – apparently I'm not aging gracefully!”

“The government announced measures to decrease air pollution in major cities.”

“Regular exercise can help decrease the risk of heart disease.”

“The company reported a 15% decrease in energy consumption after installing solar panels.”

📚Related Words

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