Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Decrement Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

➖
Add to dictionary

decrement

[ˈdiːkrɪmɛnt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

mathematics

To decrease or reduce by a specific amount; to subtract a value.

Synonyms

diminish, reduce, subtract.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
decrement

Typically used in technical or mathematical contexts to describe a reduction, usually by a specific amount or unit.

  • Each time you press the button, the counter will decrement by one.
  • The software automatically decrements the value based on the input.
reduce

Widely used in everyday language, business, and science to indicate making something smaller in size, quantity, or extent.

  • We need to reduce our expenses to stay within budget.
  • The new policy aims to reduce emissions from factories.
subtract

Specifically used in mathematical and financial contexts to indicate taking one number away from another.

  • If you subtract 5 from 10, you get 5.
  • The total cost is $50, but subtract the $10 discount for your final price.
diminish

Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe a gradual loss in size, importance, or intensity.

  • Her enthusiasm for the project began to diminish over time.
  • The loud noise diminished as we moved further away.

Examples of usage

  • Let's decrement the value of x by 5 to get the new result.
  • After each iteration, we need to decrement the counter by 1.
  • The function will decrement the variable by the specified amount.
  • We can decrement the total by 10% to calculate the final value.
  • It is important to understand how to increment and decrement values in programming.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In math, decrement often refers to subtracting a number or quantity, such as going down by one.
  • The concept is vital in algorithms where values are repeatedly reduced to achieve a goal, like counting down from 10 to 1.
  • In programming, decrementing a variable means lowering its value, which is commonly used in loops.

Psychology

  • Cognitive bias can affect how we perceive changes; some may find decrements in rewards more significant than increments.
  • Research indicates that people react more strongly to losses (decrements) than to equivalent gains.

Economics

  • In economics, decrement often relates to the diminishing returns phenomenon, where adding resources yields progressively smaller increases.
  • Policies aimed at reducing spending may employ decrements as a strategy for budget cuts.

Linguistics

  • The prefix 'de-' typically suggests removal or reversal, as seen in words like 'decrease' or 'dismantle.'
  • In languages like Latin, the root related to decrement pertains to reduction or lessening, influencing many modern terms.

Technology

  • In software development, decrement functions can help streamline processes where resources need to be managed efficiently.
  • Version control systems feature decrement actions for tracking changes and reverting to previous versions.

Origin of 'decrement'

The word 'decrement' originated from the Latin word 'decrementum', which means a decrease or reduction. It has been used in English since the 17th century to describe the act of decreasing or subtracting a specific amount from a value.

See also: decrees.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,454, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.