What is decrease? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of decrease

decreaseverb

/ˈdiːkriːs//dɪˈkriːs/
Definition & pronunciation of decrease

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "decrease" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "de-": This is pronounced like "dee" (as in "deep").
  • "creas-": This is the more challenging part. It's a diphthong, meaning it’s a combination of two vowel sounds. It sounds roughly like "krie-" (think of the "krie" in “kries” - like a German "kreis" or circle) – but with a slight emphasis on the first syllable.

2. Putting it Together:

The whole word is pronounced: "dee-krie-sehs"

Let's break that down further:

  • dee: As in "deep"
  • krie: As in “krie-zes” (a ring or circle) - quick, slight upward movement of the tongue.
  • sehs: Pronounced with a “s” sound. This is often a little soft, almost like a “sh” sound, but not quite. Think of the "s” in “sheets.”

3. Tips & Considerations:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable ("creas").
  • Linking: In natural speech, the “s” in “sehs” might link slightly to the “dee” at the beginning, creating a smoother flow.
  • Listen to Native Speakers: The best way to get it right is to hear it! Here are some resources:
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/decrease/ – This website has audio pronunciations by native speakers.
    • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce decrease" on YouTube for video demonstrations.

To help me tailor the explanation a bit more to you, could you tell me:

  • Are you coming from a language where vowel sounds are different? (e.g., do you have more or fewer vowel sounds than English?)

Usage and examples with the word decrease in English

Let's break down how to use the word "decrease" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances.

1. Basic Meaning: To become smaller or fewer

  • Core Usage: "Decrease" means to become less in amount, number, intensity, or degree. It's about a reduction.

    • Examples:
      • "The price of gasoline is decreasing." (The price is going down.)
      • "Traffic decreased after the new highway was built." (There were fewer cars on the road.)
      • "Her blood pressure began to decrease over time." (Her blood pressure was getting lower.)
      • "The number of students enrolled in the class decreased this year." (There are fewer students.)

2. As a Verb (Action)

  • Structure: "Decrease + something"

    • "to decrease something" (to make something smaller)

    • Examples:

      • "We need to decrease our spending."
      • "The company plans to decrease its workforce."
      • "The temperature is decreasing rapidly."

3. As a Noun (The Result of a Reduction)

  • Meaning: "Decrease" can also refer to the act or process of becoming less. It's the reduction itself.

    • Examples:
      • "There was a significant decrease in sales." (Referring to the reduction in sales figures.)
      • “The doctor noted a slow decrease in his patients’ weight.” (Referring to the process of weight loss)
      • "The report highlighted the economic decrease during the recession."

4. Common Phrases & Expressions

  • Decrease significantly: To reduce by a large amount.
    • "Sales decreased significantly after the advertising campaign."
  • Decrease gradually: To reduce slowly and steadily.
    • "The temperature decreased gradually throughout the night."
  • Decrease to...: To reduce to a certain level.
    • "The unemployment rate decreased to 5%."
  • Decrease in/from...: Used to show a reduction from a starting point.
    • "There's a decrease in crime rates in the city."
    • "The number of visitors decreased from last year."

5. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings)

  • Reduce
  • Diminish
  • Decline
  • Lower
  • Shrink
  • Cut down

Tips for Using "Decrease" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "decrease" will depend on the situation.
  • Think about the change: Are you describing something becoming smaller, fewer, weaker, or less intense?
  • Consider the timeframe: Is the change happening quickly (gradually, significantly) or over a longer period?

Can you give me a sentence where you want to use the word "decrease," and I can help you perfect it? Or, do you want me to focus on a specific aspect of its usage (e.g., decreasing as a noun)?

Synonyms for the word decrease

Practice with vocabulary decrease

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company's quarterly profits are expected to _______ due to unexpected market shifts.
  2. Implementing the new efficiency measures should significantly _______ energy consumption across all departments.
  3. Our main goal for this quarter is to _______ customer satisfaction ratings by at least 15% through enhanced support services.
  4. The new policy aims to _______ access to sensitive data, ensuring only authorized personnel can view it.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The recent report indicates a significant _______ in the number of new COVID-19 cases worldwide. (A) expansion (B) decrease (C) amplification (D) ascent

  2. To manage the budget effectively, we must _______ non-essential spending. (A) curtail (B) boost (C) decrease (D) augment

  3. Public interest in traditional media outlets continues to _______ as digital platforms gain popularity. (A) escalate (B) increase (C) decrease (D) strengthen

  4. Despite initial predictions of volatility, the stock market managed to _______ throughout the latter half of the year. (A) surge (B) stabilize (C) fluctuate (D) vary

  5. The moon is expected to _______ in its illumination over the next few nights until it reaches the new moon phase. (A) proliferate (B) expand (C) wane (D) intensify

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company experienced a significant drop in its customer base last quarter. (Rewrite using a form of "decrease")

  2. Measures were implemented to bring down the level of pollution in urban areas. (Rewrite using "decrease")

  3. The government's new policy aims to reduce the unemployment rate by 5%. (Rewrite without using "decrease" or any form of "reduce")

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. decrease
  2. decrease
  3. increase
  4. restrict

Exercise 2:

  1. (B) decrease
  2. (A) curtail, (C) decrease
  3. (C) decrease
  4. (B) stabilize
  5. (C) wane

Exercise 3:

  1. There was a significant decrease in the company's customer base last quarter.
  2. Measures were implemented to decrease the level of pollution in urban areas.
  3. The government's new policy aims to lower the unemployment rate by 5%.

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