- Basic Meaning
- To become or cause to become less or smaller in number, amount, or intensity
- Originates from Latin "dēcrēscere" meaning "to grow less"
- Verb Forms
- Common verbs include decrease, lessen, reduce, dwindle, abate, diminish, subside
- Can be used as both verb and noun forms
- Often used with comparative expressions like "decrease like a cigar"
- Usage Examples
- General: "The plane decreased as its speed decreased"
- Specific: "The number of troops decreased steadily"
- Gradual: "The population growth is decreasing each year"
- Synonyms
- Lessen and reduce have most general application
- Dwindle suggests decreasing bit by bit
- Abate emphasizes reduction of excess
- Diminish stresses loss or depletion
- Subside implies falling away to normal level