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add
/æd/
to combine or join together
Can you add sugar to my coffee?
This means to mix sugar into the coffee.
general
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.
mathematics
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.
Related Phrases
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.
Word Breakdown
ad-
to
prefix-d
past tense suffix
suffixEnglish Dictionary