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decrease
/dɪˈkriːs/
to make or become smaller in size, amount, or degree
The company decided to decrease production due to low demand.
The company reduced production because fewer products were being sold.
general
to make or become smaller in size, amount, or degree
The government plans to decrease taxes next year.
The government intends to lower taxes in the upcoming year.
His pain decreased after taking the medication.
His discomfort lessened following the medicine.
Often used with 'in' (e.g., decrease in sales) or 'by' (e.g., decrease by 10%).
Pro Tip
Common Usage
Use 'decrease' for gradual or controlled reductions, often in formal or technical contexts.
Gold Rule
Transitive vs. Intransitive
As a transitive verb, it requires an object (e.g., 'decrease production'). As intransitive, it describes a natural reduction (e.g., 'demand decreased').
Word Origin
From Middle English *decreasen*, from Old French *décreser*, from Latin *dēcrēscere* (to wane, diminish), from *dē-* (down) + *crēscere* (to grow).
Usage Notes
Can be used as a transitive verb (to cause something to decrease) or an intransitive verb (to become smaller).
Word Breakdown
de-
down, away
prefix-crease
to grow
rootEnglish Dictionary