Subtract: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in both everyday situations and mathematical contexts. It implies the removal of one quantity from another.

• If you subtract 5 from 10, you get 5.
• We need to subtract the expenses from our total income to see the profit.

Often used in formal or financial contexts to indicate a reduction or decrease in a total, particularly in statements involving money or taxes.

• The company will deduct the taxes from your salary.
• You can deduct the cost of business expenses from your taxable income.

Typically used in casual conversation to indicate the removal of something or a subtraction. It is less formal and often used in everyday speech.

• If you take away two apples from the bunch, how many are left?
• Can you take away the trash, please?

Mostly used in mathematical contexts to show a decrease or subtraction. It's also used in casual conversation to indicate a negative effect or result.

• Four minus three equals one.
• The temperature dropped to minus five degrees last night.

This term is primarily used in mathematics or when referring to taking one number away from another.

• If you subtract 5 from 10, you get 5.
• She quickly learned how to subtract fractions in her math class.

A versatile term used when lowering the amount, size, or degree of something. Commonly used in both everyday speech and more technical discussions like science and finance.

• We need to reduce our expenses to save more money.
• The company is trying to reduce waste to become more environmentally friendly.

This word often implies a reduction in size, importance, or intensity, and can sometimes have a negative connotation.

• The pain in his leg began to diminish after taking the medication.
• Her influence in the company has diminished over the years.

Use this word when something becomes smaller or less in quantity over time. Applicable in various contexts including economics, environment, and general usage.

• The company's profits decreased by 20% last year.
• There has been a steady decrease in pollution levels due to new regulations.