The spelling of the word "decrease" is straightforward. The word has four syllables and is pronounced as /dɪˈkriːs/. The first syllable "de-" indicates a reversal of the meaning of the word. The second syllable, "crea," is derived from the Latin word "creare," meaning to create. The third syllable "se," pronounced like "see," indicates a direction or a change in state. The final syllable, "as," is pronounced like "us" and is simply a standard English ending. Overall, "decrease" means to reduce or make something smaller.
Decrease is a verb that refers to the act of becoming smaller or diminishing in size, quantity, intensity, or number. It involves a reduction, a decline, or a falling off of a particular attribute or characteristic. Decrease is the opposite of increase, as it describes a process in which something is reduced or made smaller.
In the context of quantity or size, decrease is used to indicate a reduction or a lowering of the amount or magnitude of something. It can apply to physical objects, such as the decrease in the number of apples in a basket or the decrease in the height of a building. Additionally, it can also pertain to abstract concepts, such as the decrease in interest rates or the decrease in crime rates within a certain area.
When applied to intensity, decrease refers to the weakening or lessening of a force, level, or degree of something. For instance, it can describe the decrease in the volume of a sound, the decrease in the brightness of a light, or the decrease in the severity of a headache.
Decrease can also be used as a noun to refer to the actual amount or extent of reduction or diminishing: "There was a significant decrease in sales this quarter." It signifies a change or a drop from a previous level or state.
Overall, decrease is a versatile term used to express the process of becoming smaller, lessened, or reduced in various aspects of life, ranging from physical objects to abstract ideas.
• To grow less; to diminish gradually; to become less; to lower; to abate.
• A becoming less; decay; gradual diminution.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word decrease derives from the Old French word descroistre which emerged in the 14th century. It comes from the Latin word decrescere, formed by combining the prefix de- meaning down or away and the verb crescere meaning to grow. Therefore, decrease essentially means to grow down or to reduce in size, quantity, or intensity.