add
/æd/to combine or join together
She added milk to her tea.
She mixed milk into her tea.
He added a new feature to the software.
He included a new feature in the software.
Can be used with physical objects, ideas, or digital content.
to perform the mathematical operation of addition
Add 5 and 3 to get 8.
This means to perform the calculation 5 + 3 = 8.
In mathematics, 'add' refers specifically to the operation of summing numbers.
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💡Pro Tip
Common Prepositions
'Add' is often followed by 'to' when combining things, but not in mathematical contexts.
⚡Gold Rule
Mathematical vs. General Use
In math, 'add' is used without a preposition (e.g., 'add 2 and 3'). In general use, it often takes 'to' (e.g., 'add water to the mixture').
📖Word Origin
From Middle English 'adden', from Old English 'ædian', meaning 'to increase or add to'.
📝Usage Notes
The verb 'add' is often used with the preposition 'to' when referring to combining things. In mathematics, it is used without a preposition.