Word
increase
Phoneticsin·crease, stress on the first syllable
/ˈɪnˌkɹis/
Definitions
01to become larger
A2 · Elementary
v. to become larger in size, amount, or number.
v. to become progressively greater in size, amount, number, or intensity. This intransitive use focuses on the subject's growth.
日本語:増える※
“The population of the city started to increase rapidly after the new factory opened.”
“As global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency of extreme weather events is expected to increase significantly over the coming decades.”
02to make something larger
A2 · Elementary
v. to make something bigger or more.
v. to cause something to become greater in size, amount, or degree. This transitive use requires a direct object.
日本語:増やす※
“The company decided to increase its prices by five percent this year.”
“The government implemented new tax incentives to increase private investment in renewable energy infrastructure across the country.”
03a growth or rise
A2 · Elementary Countable noun
n. a rise in the amount or size of something.
n. a rise in the amount, number, or degree of something; the act or process of becoming larger.
日本語:増加※
“There has been a steady increase in the number of people working from home.”
“Economists noted a sharp increase in consumer spending during the final quarter, despite the rising cost of living.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'in' before a noun, or 'of' before a specific amount.
Pitfall
There was an increase of the price.
There was an increase in the price.
Use the preposition 'in' when describing the area or category that has grown.
04astronomy / waxing
C2 · Proficiency Science Literary · Technical
v. to show more of the bright surface of the moon.
v. to become more nearly full; to show more of the illuminated surface, as the moon does when moving toward its full phase.
“The moon will increase in brightness over the next few nights.”
“As the moon began to increase, the nocturnal visibility improved, allowing the astronomers to observe the lunar surface without heavy equipment.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “increase” in context.
Real-World Examples
“Retail sales jumped 1.2% last month, the largest increase since March, after a revised 0.5% drop in July, the Commerce Department's Census Bureau said.” “U.S. consumer prices accelerated in August, while a key measure of underlying inflation posted its largest increase in four months, reinforcing expectations that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates next week.” “U.S. producer prices increased in August amid higher costs of goods, airline fares and hospital services, boosting the chances of an interest rate hike from the Federal Reserve next week.” “U.S. consumer inflation increased further in April, with the annual rate posting its largest gain in three years, heightening political risks for President Donald Trump and his Republican party ahead of November's midterm elections.” Etymology
From Middle English encresen, borrowed from Anglo-Norman encreistre, itself from Latin increscere ("to grow upon"), formed from in- ("in, on") + crescō ("I grow"). The noun followed in Middle English as encres, taken directly from the verb.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0