Decrease vs Reduce: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Decrease" means to become or make something smaller or less, while "reduce" typically refers to consciously bringing something down to a lower level.
Memory Tip: decrease = decline naturally, reduce = intentionally lower
decrease has long 'ee', reduce has 'oo' sound
decrease
verbTo decrease means to make something smaller or less in amount, size, intensity, or degree.
Example:
If the temperature continues to decrease, we will need to wear warmer clothes.
Common patterns:
decrease in value
decrease significantly
decrease steadily
reduce /rɪˈdjuːs/
verbTo make something smaller or less in amount.
Example:
If you want to reduce your stress, you should try meditating for a few minutes each day.
Common patterns:
reduce waste
reduce costs
Common Mistakes
We need to decrease the amount of sugar in the recipe.
We need to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.
The action of consciously adjusting the sugar level requires 'reduce'.
The population of the town has reduced over the years.
The population of the town has decreased over the years.
'Decrease' is appropriate as it describes a natural decline over time.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. If the temperature continues to ____, we will need to wear warmer clothes.
2. If you want to ____ your stress, you should try meditating for a few minutes each day.
Other Confusing Words
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