What does "decrease" mean?

1. (to become smaller) to become less in number, amount, or size. 2. (to make something smaller) to make something smaller or less. 3. (a reduction) the process of becoming smaller, or the amount by which something gets smaller. 4. (knitting) a way to make a piece of knitting narrower by joining stitches together.

How do you use "decrease"?

Often used with the preposition 'in', as in 'decrease in value'. Takes a direct object. Commonly followed by 'in' plus a noun phrase. Used as a countable noun in patterns.

Is it correct to say "There was a decrease of the temperature."?

No — say "There was a decrease in temperature.". Use the preposition 'in' after the noun 'decrease' to show what is getting smaller.

decrease

v. · n.

US //ˈdiˌkɹis// de·crease

1 to become smaller (v.)
B1 Intermediate

to become less in number, amount, or size.

to diminish in size, amount, or degree. Intransitive use.

Example

The number of people smoking has decreased significantly over the last ten years.

Example

The population of the rural village decreased steadily as younger generations migrated toward urban centres in search of employment.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'in', as in 'decrease in value'.
2 to make something smaller (v.)
B1 Intermediate

to make something smaller or less.

to cause something to become smaller in size, amount, or intensity. Transitive use.

Example

The company decided to decrease the price of their old phones to sell them faster.

Example

The government implemented new policies designed to decrease the national deficit by the end of the fiscal year.

Usage

Takes a direct object.
- increase
- boost

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer

3 a reduction (n.)
B1 Intermediate

the process of becoming smaller, or the amount by which something gets smaller.

the process of becoming smaller or the specific amount of such a reduction.

Example

There has been a sharp decrease in the price of petrol this month.

Example

Economists noted a significant decrease in consumer spending during the first quarter, suggesting a cooling of the national economy.

Usage

Commonly followed by 'in' plus a noun phrase.
- increase
- rise
Pitfall

There was a decrease of the temperature.

There was a decrease in temperature.

Use the preposition 'in' after the noun 'decrease' to show what is getting smaller.
4 knitting (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Cooking

a way to make a piece of knitting narrower by joining stitches together.

a reduction in the number of stitches, typically achieved by knitting two stitches together.

Example

The pattern says to work a decrease at each end of the next row.

Example

To shape the sleeve correctly, the knitter must execute a double decrease every four rows until the desired width is achieved.

Usage

Used as a countable noun in patterns.

Teacher's tip

This is a highly specialised term used by hobbyists; most learners will only need the general senses.
- increase

Origin

From Middle English decresen, alteration of discresen, from Anglo-Norman, Old French descreistre (French: décroître), from Latin decrescere.