Decreased: meaning, definitions and examples
📉
decreased
[dɪˈkriːs ]
Definitions
in finance
To become smaller or fewer in size, amount, intensity, or degree. It is often used in the context of economic indicators or financial performance.
Synonyms
diminish, lessen, lower, reduce.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| decreased |
Use this word when referring to a general reduction in quantity, size, or value over time.
|
| reduce |
Commonly used in various contexts to express making something smaller or less in amount, size, or importance; often used in instructions, warnings, or plans.
|
| diminish |
This word often implies a reduction in importance, value, or size, sometimes gradually or subtly.
|
| lessen |
Suitable for describing a reduction in amount, degree, or severity, particularly when expressing relief from an unwanted condition.
|
| lower |
Most appropriate when reducing levels, prices, or positions, often following a deliberate action.
|
Examples of usage
- The company's profits decreased by 20% compared to last year.
- The unemployment rate has decreased steadily over the past few months.
general
To make or become less in value, price, or importance.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| decreased |
This word is most commonly used in general contexts, often to show a reduction in amount, size, number, or intensity. It is neutral and can be used in various situations such as business, science, health, and daily life.
|
| devalue |
This word is often used in economic or financial contexts to indicate a reduction in the worth or value of something, especially currency. It carries negative connotations because it suggests a loss of value.
|
| downgrade |
Used primarily in formal or business settings to indicate a reduction in rank, position, or quality. It can also have negative connotations as it implies moving to a lower status or quality.
|
| weaken |
This word is used to describe a loss of strength, power, or ability. It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts and often has a negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- The value of the property has decreased significantly since the market crash.
- The popularity of the product has decreased due to negative reviews.
medical
To diminish in size, number, strength, or quality.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| decreased |
Used when talking about a reduction in size, amount, or intensity of something over a period of time.
|
| decline |
Often used to describe a gradual loss of strength, quality, or importance. It can also refer to a polite refusal.
|
| deteriorate |
Used to describe something that is becoming progressively worse, often in terms of health, conditions, or relationships. Usually carries a negative connotation.
|
| wane |
Refers to something that is decreasing in power, importance, or influence. It can also describe the gradual reduction of the moon's visible illuminated part.
|
Examples of usage
- The patient's symptoms have decreased after starting the new medication.
- The effectiveness of the treatment has decreased over time.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Old French 'decreistre', which means to grow less.
- It is rooted in the Latin 'decrescere', where 'de-' means to down and 'crescere' means to grow.
- The term has been in use in English since the 14th century.
Science
- In physics, the concept of 'decreased' is crucial when discussing energy loss or reduction in force.
- Biological systems often show decreased rates of processes, like metabolism, with age.
- Climate change studies frequently report decreased biodiversity as habitats shrink.
Psychology
- People often experience decreased motivation during winter months due to reduced sunlight.
- Mental fatigue can lead to decreased efficiency in tasks and cognitive functions.
- Research indicates that decreased social interactions can influence feelings of loneliness.
Economics
- A decrease in demand leads to lower prices in market dynamics.
- Inflation can cause wages to decrease in real terms, affecting purchasing power.
- Business strategies often focus on decreasing costs to maximize profits, which can affect employment.
Pop Culture
- In movies, a character's power or influence might decrease as the plot unfolds, often signaling a change in their journey.
- Songs about heartbreak often reference feelings of decreased happiness and emotional state.
- TV shows often portray the decrease of a character's resources or strength leading to a dramatic climax.
Translations
Translations of the word "decreased" in other languages:
🇵🇹 diminuído
🇮🇳 घटाया गया
🇩🇪 verringert
🇮🇩 berkurang
🇺🇦 зменшений
🇵🇱 zmniejszony
🇯🇵 減少した
🇫🇷 diminué
🇪🇸 disminuido
🇹🇷 azaltılmış
🇰🇷 감소된
🇸🇦 مخفض
🇨🇿 snížený
🇸🇰 znížený
🇨🇳 减少的
🇸🇮 zmanjšan
🇮🇸 minnkað
🇰🇿 азайтылған
🇬🇪 შემცირებული
🇦🇿 azaldılmış
🇲🇽 disminuido