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subtract
/səbˈtrækt/
take away
If you subtract 5 from 10, you get 5.
This example shows the mathematical operation of removing a number from another.
formal
To take a number or amount away from another.
She subtracted the tax from the total bill.
She removed the tax amount from the total.
To find the difference, subtract the smaller number from the larger one.
This is a standard mathematical instruction.
Commonly used in arithmetic and accounting. Often followed by 'from'.
Collocations
subtract fromremove a part of somethingsubtract A from Bremove A from B
Pro Tip
Remembering 'subtract'
Think of 'subtract' as 'taking away under' something. The prefix 'sub-' means 'under' or 'away,' and 'tract' comes from Latin 'trahere,' meaning 'to draw.' So, it's like drawing something away from a whole.
Gold Rule
Structure with 'from'
Always use 'subtract X from Y' to indicate what is being removed and from what. For example, 'subtract 2 from 5' (not 'subtract 5 by 2').
Word Origin
From Latin *subtrahere* (to draw away), from *sub-* (under, away) + *trahere* (to draw).
Usage Notes
Used in both mathematical and figurative contexts (e.g., 'subtracting joy from life'). Always followed by 'from' when indicating the source of subtraction.
Word Breakdown
sub-
under, away
prefix-tract
to draw
rootEnglish Dictionary