subtract
Use Subtract in a sentence
verb (used with object)
1.
to withdraw or take away, as a part from a whole.
2.
Mathematics. to take (one number or quantity) from another; deduct.
verb (used without object)
3.
to take away something or a part, as from a whole.
Origin:
1530–40; < Latin subtractus (past participle of subtrahere to draw away from underneath), equivalent to sub- sub- + trac- (past participle stem of trahere to draw) + -tus past participle suffix
1530–40; < Latin subtractus (past participle of subtrahere to draw away from underneath), equivalent to sub- sub- + trac- (past participle stem of trahere to draw) + -tus past participle suffix
Related forms
sub·tract·er, noun
un·sub·tract·ed, adjective
Synonyms
1, 3. Subtract, deduct express diminution in sum or quantity. To subtract suggests taking a part from a whole or a smaller from a larger: to subtract the tax from one's salary. To deduct is to take away an amount or quantity from an aggregate or total so as to lessen or lower it: to deduct a discount. Subtract is both transitive and intransitive, and has general or figurative uses; deduct is always transitive and usually concrete and practical in application.
1, 3. Subtract, deduct express diminution in sum or quantity. To subtract suggests taking a part from a whole or a smaller from a larger: to subtract the tax from one's salary. To deduct is to take away an amount or quantity from an aggregate or total so as to lessen or lower it: to deduct a discount. Subtract is both transitive and intransitive, and has general or figurative uses; deduct is always transitive and usually concrete and practical in application.
Antonyms
1–3. add.
1–3. add.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
|
Link To subtract
00:10
Subtract
is always a great word to know.
So is calculus. Does it mean:
| the smallest number that is a common multiple of a given set of numbers |
| one of several highly systematic methods of treating problems by a special system of algebraic notations, such as differential or integral calculus |
Collins
World English Dictionary
subtract (səbˈtrækt) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —vb | |
| 1. | to calculate the difference between (two numbers or quantities) by subtraction |
| 2. | to remove (a part of a thing, quantity, etc) from the whole |
| [C16: from Latin subtractus withdrawn, from subtrahere to draw away from beneath, from | |
| sub'tracter | |
| —n | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Example sentences
Imports subtract from measured output, so falling imports made for faster growth-but still signalled a weakening domestic economy.
By learning to add and subtract, they can learn how to count money, a vital tool in owning a business.
Whether that would add or subtract from the confusion remains unclear.
If you subtract us from the mix, then it's down to a more reasonable amount of money.
Nearby Words
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