increase

Everyday

1. To become bigger in number, amount or size; to grow. tree →
2. To make something bigger or more. tree →
3. (noun) A rise in number, amount or size. tree →

In the lessons

In maths, «increase by» means add that amount; «increase to» means the new total; a percentage increase is a part added on. In science, temperature or speed increases. In everyday life, prices increase. Phrases: «increase by», «increase to», «on the increase», «a sharp increase».

Examples

• The number of pupils increased from 20 to 25. tree →
• Increase 8 by 5 and you get 13. tree →
• Prices increase every year. tree →
• When you heat water, its temperature increases. tree →
• There was an increase in rain this month. tree →
• Exercise increases your heart rate. tree →
• Cases of colds are on the increase. tree →
• The number of carriages is continually on the increase. tree →

Note

Stress: verb «in-CREASE», noun «IN-crease». Opposite: decrease. Maths trap: «increase by 5» means +5; «increase to 5» means the answer is 5. «Increase by 10%» means add a tenth.

In Jewish tradition

In Leviticus it means interest or profit taken on a loan, and elsewhere the crops a field produces. In the Psalms it also means to grow or to make greater, as when God increases a person's greatness or a people's children.

Interpretation. The Torah forbids charging interest to a fellow Israelite in need. Tradition reads this as a duty of kindness and help for the poor, and reads growth and increase as blessings from God.

Examples

• And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and gather in the increase thereof; (Torah EXO.23.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thou shalt not give him thy money upon interest, nor give him thy victuals for increase. (Torah LEV.25.37, JPS 1917) tree →
• Take thou no interest of him or increase; but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee. (Torah LEV.25.36, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thou wilt increase my greatness, and turn and comfort me. (Writings PSA.71.21, JPS 1917) tree →
• And sow fields, and plant vineyards, which yield fruits of increase. (Writings PSA.107.37, JPS 1917) tree →
• The LORD increase you more and more, you and your children. (Writings PSA.115.14, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Stress: verb «in-CREASE», noun «IN-crease». Opposite: decrease. Maths trap: «increase by 5» means +5; «increase to 5» means the answer is 5. «Increase by 10%» means add a tenth.