B1verbmoneyscience
US/dɪˈkriːs/
UK/dɪˈkriːs/
to become smaller in size, number or amount, or to make something do this
In context
The number of students taking French has decreased steadily since 2010.
Regular exercise can decrease your risk of heart disease.
Prices decreased by five percent after a new supermarket opened nearby.
Words that go with decrease
verb + adverb
- decrease significantlybecome much smaller in amountSales of printed newspapers have decreased significantly since 2015.
- decrease steadilybecome smaller little by little without stoppingUnemployment has decreased steadily over the past five years.
verb + preposition
- decrease bybecome smaller by a stated amountThe number of visitors decreased by ten percent last year.Not
decrease down
verb + noun
- decrease the riskmake a danger or chance of harm smallerRegular exercise can decrease the risk of heart disease.
adverb + verb
- gradually decreasebecome smaller slowly over timeThe pain should gradually decrease over the next few days.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
Sales decreased down last year.Correct: Sales decreased last year.