What does "add" mean?

1. (to join or combine) to put something extra with another thing to make it bigger or better. 2. (mathematics) to put numbers together to find the total amount. 3. (to say more) to say or write something extra after you have already said something. 4. (social media) to include someone in your list of friends on a social media app. 5. (extra enemy in games) an extra enemy that joins a fight in a video game. 6. (medical condition) a condition that makes it hard for someone to focus or pay attention.

How do you use "add"?

Often used with the preposition 'to'. Commonly used with 'and' or 'to'. Usually takes a direct object representing a person. Usually written in capital letters as an acronym.

add

US //ˈæd// UK //ˈæd// add

1 to join or combine (v.)
A1 Beginner

to put something extra with another thing to make it bigger or better.

to join or unite one thing to another to increase the size, number, or quality of the whole.

Example

You should add a little salt to the soup to improve the flavour.

Example

The architect decided to add a glass conservatory to the rear of the building, significantly increasing the amount of natural light in the living area.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'to'.
- remove
- subtract
2 mathematics (v.)
A1 Beginner Math

to put numbers together to find the total amount.

to perform the arithmetical operation of addition to find a sum.

Example

If you add five and five, you get ten.

Example

The accountant had to add the quarterly expenses manually after the software failed to sync with the bank records.

Usage

Commonly used with 'and' or 'to'.
- subtract
- deduct

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3 to say more (v.)
B1 Intermediate

to say or write something extra after you have already said something.

to say or write something further as a supplement to what has already been stated.

Example

"I'll be home late," he said, then added, "don't wait up for me."

Example

The CEO concluded her speech but then added a brief comment regarding the upcoming merger to satisfy the shareholders' concerns.
- continue
- remark
4 social media (v.)
A2 Elementary Informal Computing

to include someone in your list of friends on a social media app.

to request or include a person as a contact or friend on a digital platform.

Example

I'll add you on Instagram so I can send you the photos from the party.

Example

After meeting at the conference, several delegates added each other on professional networking sites to maintain contact.

Usage

Usually takes a direct object representing a person.
- follow
- connect
5 extra enemy in games (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Slang Computing

an extra enemy that joins a fight in a video game.

an additional non-player character that enters a combat encounter after the primary target has been engaged.

Example

The boss was easy, but the adds kept attacking our healer.

Example

The raid leader instructed the damage dealers to focus on the adds before returning their attention to the main boss.

Teacher's tip

This is specific to gaming culture; outside of this context, 'add' is rarely used as a countable noun for people or things.
- minion
- reinforcement
- boss
6 medical condition (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Medicine

a condition that makes it hard for someone to focus or pay attention.

an abbreviation for attention deficit disorder, a neurodevelopmental condition affecting concentration.

Example

He found it hard to sit still in class because of his ADD.

Example

Recent clinical studies suggest that adults diagnosed with ADD often develop unique coping mechanisms to manage their daily schedules.

Usage

Usually written in capital letters as an acronym.
- ADHD

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