decrease
/diːˈkriːs/ · de·crease
verb
- Of a quantity, to become smaller. The company's profits decreased significantly after the economic downturn.
- To make (a quantity) smaller. The government decreased taxes to stimulate economic growth.
noun
- A reduction in size, amount, or degree. The decrease in temperature made the winter seem even colder.
adjective
- Having a smaller size, amount, or degree. The decreased demand for the product led to a surplus in inventory.
Did you know? The word 'decrease' has been used in English since the 14th century, initially in a legal context to describe the reduction of a sentence or a fine.