# increase

/ˈɪnˌkɹis/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/increase
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 3. a rise or growth

noun · CEFR A2

a rise in the amount, number, or size of something.

For teachers: a rise in the size, amount, or degree of something. Often followed by the preposition 'in'.

- There has been a big increase in the number of people working from home.
- Economists noted a sharp increase in consumer spending following the announcement of the new tax incentives.

### 4. astronomy

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical · Literary

when the moon appears to get larger each night.

For teachers: to become more nearly full; to show more of the illuminated surface. Used specifically in reference to the moon or other celestial bodies.

- The moon will increase in size until it is full next Tuesday.
- As the moon began to increase, the nocturnal visibility improved, allowing the explorers to navigate the desert terrain without artificial light.

## Examples

- There was a sudden increase in the price of bread.
- The city has seen a steady increase in the number of people using bicycles to get to work.
- Economists are monitoring the sharp increase in consumer spending, as it may signal a period of rapid inflation following the recent tax cuts.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.