Finesentence logo

Subtract: meaning, definitions and examples

➖
Add to dictionary

subtract

 

[ səbˈtrækt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

mathematics

To remove a number or quantity from another number or quantity.

Synonyms

deduct, minus, take away

Examples of usage

  • Can you subtract 5 from 10?
  • She subtracted the expenses from the total budget.
  • The result of subtracting 3 from 8 is 5.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To decrease or reduce something by taking away a part of it.

Synonyms

decrease, diminish, reduce

Examples of usage

  • She decided to subtract sugar from her diet.
  • The team subtracted two members due to budget cuts.

Translations

Translations of the word "subtract" in other languages:

🇵🇹 subtrair

🇮🇳 घटाना

🇩🇪 subtrahieren

🇮🇩 mengurangi

🇺🇦 віднімати

🇵🇱 odejmować

🇯🇵 引く (ひく)

🇫🇷 soustraire

🇪🇸 restar

🇹🇷 çıkarmak

🇰🇷 빼다

🇸🇦 طرح

🇨🇿 odečíst

🇸🇰 odčítať

🇨🇳 减去 (jiǎn qù)

🇸🇮 odšteti

🇮🇸 draga frá

🇰🇿 азайту

🇬🇪 გამოკლება

🇦🇿 çıxmaq

🇲🇽 restar

Word origin

The word 'subtract' originated from the Latin word 'subtractus', past participle of 'subtrahere', which means 'to draw from beneath'. The concept of subtraction has been used in mathematics for centuries, with ancient civilizations developing various methods to subtract numbers. Over time, the term 'subtract' has become widely used in both mathematical and general contexts to indicate the action of taking away or reducing something.

See also: detract, intractable, protract, protracted, protraction, protractor, retract, subtraction, tract, tractability, tractable, traction, tractor.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,632, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.