increase

Formsincreases, increasing, increased

Pluralincreases

1. 1
   get biggerverbtransitive or intransitive

   To get bigger or more, or to make something bigger or more.

   Like a balloon getting bigger as you blow more air into it.

   Traffic tends to increase during rush hour.

   The pain increased through the night.

   UsageUse by for how much (by 10%) and to for the new number (to 500).

   Similargrow, rise, raise, expand

   Note
2. 2
   how much morenouncountable

   The amount that something goes up by.

   Like the extra inches a plant has grown since last month.

   She got a small increase in her allowance.

   The price increase was only a few cents.

   UsageSay an increase in pay, and an increase of 5%.

   Similarrise, gain, increment

   Oppositedecrease, reduction, cut, drop

3. 3
   nouncountable

   The act of getting larger or greater over time.

   Like watching a pile of sand get bigger as more is added.

   There has been a steady increase in the number of students.

   The increase happened slowly over many months.

   UsageOn the increase means getting bigger or more common.

   Similargrowth, rise, expansion, escalation

   Oppositedecrease, decline, reduction, fall

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