What is addition? Pronunciation and usage in English

addition means . Learn how to pronounce and use addition through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of addition

additionnoun

/əˈdɪʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of addition

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "addition" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few ways to say it:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˌæd.ɪˈʃən/ (American English)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. /ˌæd/ – This sounds like "ed" as in "bed." It's a short, quick sound.

  2. /ɪˈʃən/ – This is the trickiest part.

    • /ɪ/ – This is a short, quick "ih" sound, like in "bit."
    • /ʃ/ – This is the "sh" sound, like in "ship."
    • /ən/ – This is a very short, unstressed vowel sound, almost like a schwa (ə). Think of it as a very light “uh” sound.

Putting it together: "Ed-ih-shun" (with the "shun" being very quick and unstressed).

Another variation (slightly more British):

  • /əˈdɪʃən/

This version drops the "d" sound at the beginning, so it sounds closer to “uh-dih-shun.”

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Don’t overemphasize the “d.” It’s a very subtle sound.
  • Focus on the "sh" sound. Make sure it’s pronounced clearly.
  • Keep the final "un" very short.

Resources to help you hear it:

  • Google Search: Type "how to pronounce addition" into Google and it will often provide an audio example.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/addition/ – This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word in different accents.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you more examples of words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word addition in English

Let's break down how to use the word "addition" in English. It has several different meanings and uses, so let's look at them in detail.

1. As a Noun (the most common usage):

  • Meaning: This refers to the act of adding something together, or the result of adding things together. It's about combining things to make a larger whole.

  • Examples:

    • "The addition of more sugar improved the cake's flavor." (Referring to the action of adding sugar)
    • "The new wing is a significant addition to the hospital." (Referring to the addition of a building)
    • "What's the addition to our budget?" (Referring to the extra money)
    • "She made an addition to her collection of stamps." (Referring to the items added to the collection)

2. As a Noun (Specific – in math):

  • Meaning: It refers to a number that is added to another number. Essentially, it's the value being added.

  • Examples:

    • "Five is the addition to two, making seven." (Five is the number being added)
    • "The addition of 3 and 7 equals 10." (3 is the addition)

3. As a Verb (Less common, but still used):

  • Meaning: This means to add something; to include something as a part of a whole. It often has a sense of supplementing or expanding.

  • Examples:

    • "We need to make an addition to our presentation." (Adding more information)
    • "The company is considering an addition to its product line." (Adding a new product)
    • "He made the addition of a small, beautiful flower to the bouquet." (Adding the flower)

4. Phrases Using "Addition":

  • Addition to: This is a very common combination. It means “in addition to” or “plus.”

    • "I enjoy reading, addition to my other hobbies." (In addition to reading…)
    • “He is a talented musician, addition to being a skilled painter.” (Plus, he's a good painter.)

  • Addition of: Similar to "addition to," but often used in more formal contexts.

    • "The addition of technology has revolutionized the industry."

  • By addition: (Often used in math) – meaning by adding.

    • "The result is found by by addition of the two numbers."

Here's a table to summarize:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Noun The act of adding "The addition of rain helped the crops."
Noun The result of adding "The addition is 12."
Noun A number being added "Five is the addition to two."
Verb To add something, to include "Let's make an addition to the plan."

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking of when you want to use "addition"? (e.g., math, writing, everyday conversation, a specific topic like finance or construction)?

Synonyms for the word addition

Idioms of the word addition

in addition (to somebody/something)
used when you want to mention another person or thing after something else
  • In addition to these arrangements, extra ambulances will be on duty until midnight.
  • There is, in addition, one further point to make.

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