# subtract

/səbˈtɹækt/ (US) · /sʌbtɹˈækt/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/subtract
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

to take a number or an amount away from another number to find the difference.

For teachers: to remove a quantity or number from another to calculate the remainder. Transitive; requires a direct object representing the amount being removed.

## Examples

- If you subtract five from ten, you get five.
- The accountant had to subtract the business expenses from the total revenue to calculate the net profit.
- When calculating the final grade, the professor will subtract points for any assignments submitted after the established deadline.

## Pitfalls

- Not "subtract ten with five" but "subtract five from ten" — In English, you subtract the smaller number 'from' the larger one; 'with' is not used in this context.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and typically follows the pattern 'subtract [amount] from [total]'.

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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.