What does increase mean?
Increase means to become greater or to make something greater, and as a noun it refers to the amount by which this happens. The word applies broadly to size, quantity, value, intensity, activity, and frequency: prices may increase, demand may increase, or a government may increase funding. In its verb form, increase is transitive when it names something being made greater and intransitive when the subject itself grows, as in “the number of users increased.” As a noun, it is commonly used with expressions such as “an increase in demand” and “a gradual increase.” Although increase can sometimes imply a notable change, it does not necessarily suggest a sudden rise. It is a formal but broadly standard term, and its neutral tone makes it suitable for academic, professional, and everyday contexts. Its Latin roots connect it to a broader family of words about growth and expansion.
To become greater, or to make something greater, in size, amount, value, or intensity.
"The number of visitors increased after the new exhibit opened."
The verb can be intransitive, with the subject itself increasing, or transitive, with an object that is made greater.
An amount or degree by which something grows or becomes greater.
"There was a noticeable increase in traffic during the holiday weekend."
Often used with “in” to identify what has increased, as in “an increase in prices” or “an increase in demand.”
The plural form is used for separate increases, periods of growth, or changes recorded in a series.
"The report documented steady increases in both sales and customer satisfaction."
The word increase hides an old promise of growth: it comes from Latin in- (“into”) and crescere (“to grow”), literally meaning to grow into something greater.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does increase come from?
Increase comes through Old French from Latin increscere, formed from the prefix in- and crescere, “to grow.” The underlying root is also reflected in English words such as crescent, crescendo, and increment. In English, increase developed both as a verb meaning “to grow” and as a noun meaning “an amount of growth.”
Related word forms
How increase is actually used
Increase is used in both formal and informal contexts. In business, economics, and news writing, it often appears with terms such as demand, price, revenue, and growth. As a noun, it commonly follows a modifier, as in “a marked increase” or “a steady increase.”
Easily confused with increase
An increase is the general act or degree of becoming greater, whereas an increment is typically a discrete added amount or step.