Plus: meaning, definitions and examples

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plus

 

[ plʌs ]

Noun / Adjective
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

mathematics

The sign +, used to indicate addition or a positive quantity.

Synonyms

addition sign, positive sign.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plus

Used in mathematics and general positive addition contexts. Can also indicate an advantage or something additional in colloquial usage.

  • Three plus two equals five.
  • The plus side of this solution is its cost efficiency.
addition sign

Specifically refers to the symbol '+' in mathematical contexts. Used in educational or formal mathematical settings.

  • The addition sign is used to indicate that numbers should be added together.
  • When teaching children, it's important to explain what the addition sign means.

Examples of usage

  • 2 + 2 = 4
  • The answer is a plus, not a minus.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A good or positive aspect of a situation.

Synonyms

advantage, benefit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plus

Use this when you want to mention an additional positive factor. It can be casual or semi-formal. Common in everyday speech and advertisements.

  • The location is great, and there's a gym on-site, which is a huge plus.
  • You will get a discount right away. Plus, you will be entered into a prize draw.
advantage

This is suitable for more formal contexts, such as business, academic, or analytical settings, when discussing the positive aspects or superiority of one thing over another.

  • One significant advantage of using solar energy is its renewable nature.
  • Having a diverse skill set is an advantage in the job market.
benefit

Use this when talking about a positive outcome or something that improves situations. It's commonly used in both formal and informal settings.

  • Regular exercise has many health benefits.
  • The benefits of studying abroad extend beyond just education.

Examples of usage

  • The plus side of the job is the flexible hours.
  • One plus of living in the city is the easy access to amenities.
Context #3 | Adjective

informal

Positive or advantageous.

Synonyms

advantageous, positive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plus

Often used in casual or business contexts to indicate an additional benefit or feature. It can also mean the positive arithmetic symbol.

  • One of the pluses of this phone model is its long-lasting battery.
  • The company's new policy has many pluses, including flexible working hours.
positive

Can be used in various contexts to describe a constructive or beneficial aspect. It's also commonly used to describe a favorable attitude or outlook.

  • She has a very positive attitude towards life.
  • The feedback from the team was overwhelmingly positive.
advantageous

Used in more formal or professional settings to describe something that provides a benefit or advantage.

  • It would be advantageous for you to learn another language.
  • The new regulation is advantageous to small businesses.

Examples of usage

  • This decision has a plus effect on our business.
  • The plus points of the new system are efficiency and reliability.

Translations

Translations of the word "plus" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mais

🇮🇳 अधिक

🇩🇪 plus

🇮🇩 lebih

🇺🇦 плюс

🇵🇱 plus

🇯🇵 プラス

🇫🇷 plus

🇪🇸 más

🇹🇷 artı

🇰🇷 플러스

🇸🇦 زائد

🇨🇿 plus

🇸🇰 plus

🇨🇳 

🇸🇮 plus

🇮🇸 plús

🇰🇿 плюс

🇬🇪 პლუსი

🇦🇿 üstəgəl

🇲🇽 más

Etymology

The word 'plus' originated from Latin 'plūs', meaning 'more'. It has been used in mathematics since the 15th century to denote addition. In informal contexts, 'plus' has been used to refer to positive aspects or advantageous qualities since the early 20th century.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,725, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.