Decreases Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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decreases

[dษชหˆkriหsษชz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in mathematics

To become smaller or less in amount, level, or value. The opposite of increase.

Synonyms

decrement, diminish, reduce.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
decreases

A general term for a reduction in quantity, size, or intensity. Commonly used in scientific, economic, or statistical contexts.

  • The temperature decreases at night.
  • The number of visitors decreases during the winter months.

Examples of usage

  • The temperature decreases as we move into the evening.
  • The speed of the car decreases when you apply the brakes.
Context #2 | Noun

in statistics

A process of continuously becoming smaller or fewer.

Synonyms

decline, drop, reduction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
decreases

Use this word when describing something that is gradually becoming less in quantity, intensity, or value.

  • The temperature decreases as you climb higher.
  • The company's profits have decreased over the past year.
decline

This word is used for situations where there is a continuous decrease, often with a slight negative connotation of deterioration.

  • There has been a decline in sales since last quarter.
  • The patient's health began to decline rapidly.
drop

This term is suitable for situations where there is a sudden or significant decrease in quantity, value, or quality.

  • There was a sudden drop in temperature last night.
  • The stock market experienced a significant drop yesterday.
reduction

This word is used when referring to the act or process of making something smaller in size, amount, or number.

  • The company announced a reduction in workforce.
  • A reduction in costs will help improve profitability.

Examples of usage

  • There has been a steady decrease in the number of participants over the years.
  • The decrease in sales was attributed to the economic downturn.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, the concept of decreases is crucial when discussing energy loss, where potential energy diminishes over time.
  • In biology, population studies often examine how certain species' numbers decrease due to environmental changes.
  • Chemistry often looks at reactants decreasing in concentration during a reaction.

Economics

  • In finance, a decrease in demand can lead to lower prices in the market.
  • Inflation rates can cause the value of money to decrease over time.
  • Economic reports frequently highlight decreases in unemployment, which is usually favorable.

Mathematics

  • Decreases are fundamental when exploring functions; a decreasing function moves downward as you move along its graph.
  • In statistics, a decrease in the mean of a data set indicates fewer overall values or lower values on average.
  • Calculating the percentage decrease is important for understanding changes in quantitative data.

Psychology

  • Research shows that emotional well-being often decreases during periods of high stress or trauma.
  • In cognitive psychology, the concept of memory decay demonstrates how information decreases over time if not reinforced.
  • Habituation refers to a decrease in response to a stimulus after repeated exposure, illustrating how we adapt to our environment.

Origin of 'decreases'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'decrecere,' meaning 'to grow less.'
  • In Middle English, it was used similarly to refer to a reduction in size or quantity.
  • The prefix 'de-' means 'down from' or 'away,' indicating a downward change.

The word 'decrease' originated from the Latin word 'decrescere', which means to grow less. It has been in use in the English language since the late 14th century. The concept of decrease is fundamental in various fields such as mathematics, economics, and statistics, where it represents a reduction in quantity or value.


See also: decreased, decreasing.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,173, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.