increase

/ˈɪn.kriːs/
verbBeginner
general

to make or become greater in size, amount, or degree

She decided to increase her savings by cutting back on expenses.

She chose to save more money by reducing her spending.

The government announced measures to increase economic growth.

The government introduced policies to boost economic development.

💡

Can be used both transitively (with an object) and intransitively (without an object).

Collocations

increase ina rise or growth in somethingincrease byto become larger by a specific amountincrease toto reach a higher level or value

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

increase by leaps and boundsphrase
to grow or improve very quickly
increase one's chancesphrase
to improve the likelihood of success

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

Use 'increase' to describe growth in quantity, size, or intensity.

Gold Rule

Transitive vs. Intransitive

'Increase' can be used with or without an object. For example, 'The price increased' (intransitive) and 'They increased the price' (transitive).

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'encrecen', from Old French 'encrescere', from Latin 'increscere', meaning 'to grow'.

📝Usage Notes

Often used in formal and informal contexts, including business, economics, and everyday language.

Word Breakdown

in-
not, in
prefix
+
-crease
to grow
root
English Dictionary