decreasing
|de-creas-ing|
B1
/dɪˈkriːsɪŋ/
(decrease)
reduce in size or amount
Etymology
Etymology Information
'decrease' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'decreistre,' where 'de-' meant 'down' and 'crescere' meant 'to grow.'
Historical Evolution
'decreistre' transformed into the Middle English word 'decrecen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'decrease.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to grow down or diminish,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to become smaller or less in size, amount, intensity, or degree.
The population is decreasing due to migration.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
becoming smaller or less.
The decreasing number of students is a concern for the school.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35