decrease definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

Thesaurus

Translations

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

	deconcentrate

	decondition

	decongest

	decongestant

	deconsecrate

	deconstruct

	deconstruction

	decontaminate

	decontrol

	decor

	decorate

	Decorated architecture

	decoration

	Decoration Day

	decorative

	decorative art

	decorator

Print Preview

See pronunciation key

Search for "decrease" in all of MSN Encarta

E-mail this entry

Blog about this entry on MSN Spaces

Download the MSN Encarta Right-Click Dictionary

decrease

de·crease [ di krss ]

transitive and intransitive verb (past and past participle de·creased, present participle de·creas·ing, 3rd person present singular de·creas·es)

Definition:

diminish: to lessen in size, strength, or amount, or cause something to do this

noun (plural de·creas·es)

Definition:

1. process of diminishing: the process of diminishing in size, strength, or amount

street crime is on the decrease

2. reduction: a reduction in the size, strength, or amount of something

a 2 percent decrease in revenue

[14th century. Via Old French decreiss-< Latin decrescere< crescere "grow"]

de·creas·ing adjective

de·creas·ing·ly [ di krssinglee ] adverb

Also on Encarta

•	10 tips for building your English vocabulary

•	Alternatives to the M.B.A.

•	GPS for students

•	Saving for college

•	Presidential Myths Quiz

•

Coffee break: Recharge your brain

Our Partners

•	ApplyWise Online College Admissions Counseling

•	The Princeton Review

•

Tutor.com: Live Help When You Get Stuck

Also on MSN

•	Project Earth: Big Ideas for Saving the Planet on the Discovery Channel

•	MSN Shopping: Best books for the season

•	MSN Careers: Nail that job interview

•

Today's news on MSNBC


MSN Shopping