ENGLISH
REFERENCE

decreased

v.
A2 Elementary US //ˈdiˌkɹist// UK //dˈiːkɹiːsd// de·creased

v. to become smaller in size, amount, or number. You use this when something goes down, like a price or a temperature.

v. to become or make smaller in size, amount, intensity, or degree. Functions as both a transitive and intransitive verb.


SIMPLE

The number of students in the class decreased this year.

CONTEXTUAL

The company's profits decreased significantly after the new tax laws were introduced last summer.

COMPLEX

As the sun set behind the mountains, the ambient temperature decreased rapidly, forcing the hikers to seek shelter and start a fire.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Can be used intransitively ('the price decreased') or transitively ('the company decreased the price').

Pitfall

The price was decreased by 10%The price decreased by 10%While the passive is possible, learners often use it unnecessarily when the subject itself is the thing that changed.

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