add to

Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition

Verb: 1. To increase the amount, number, or intensity of something; to make something greater. This is the core meaning, indicating that one thing contributes to the growth or enhancement of another, often an abstract quality like a feeling or a situation. 2. To contribute to a cumulative result. This sense focuses on being one part that combines with others to create a larger whole.

Usage and Examples

The phrase "add to" is used to show that something is being supplemented, making the existing thing more significant, larger, or more intense.

  • Basic Usage:

    • The loud construction noise added to her headache. (The noise made her headache worse or more intense.)
    • Please add these numbers to the total. (Increase the total by including these numbers.)
    • His thoughtful comment added to the value of the discussion. (The comment made the discussion more valuable.)
  • Common Constructions:

    • add [something] to [something]: This is the standard structure.
      • She added salt to the soup.
      • The new evidence added credibility to his story.
    • This/That adds to...: Often used to comment on a situation.
      • The traffic jam added to our frustration.
      • This adds to my worries. (This new factor increases my existing worries.)
Advanced Usage and Nuances
  • Emotional or Abstract Context: "Add to" is frequently used with non-physical things like problems, confusion, joy, pressure, or evidence.
    • The sudden change in plans only added to the confusion.
    • Winning the award added to her sense of accomplishment.
  • Implied Accumulation: It often suggests a process where multiple factors combine.
    • Each mistake adds to the overall cost of the project.
Variants and Related Words
  • Add (verb): The base verb meaning to join or combine things.
  • Addition (noun): The act of adding, or the thing that is added.
  • Additional (adjective): Extra or more than what was originally present.
  • Add-on (noun): Something added as a supplement or accessory.
Synonyms
  • Increase: To become or make greater in size, amount, or degree.
  • Augment: To make something greater by adding to it (more formal).
  • Contribute to: To help cause or bring about a result.
  • Intensify: To make something stronger or more extreme.
  • Supplement: To add something to complete or enhance it.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Add up: 1. To calculate the total of numbers. 2. To seem consistent or logical.
    • The facts just don't add up.
  • Add in: To include something as part of a mixture or calculation.
    • Don't forget to add in the cost of shipping.
  • Add on: To attach or include an extra item or feature.
    • We can add on insurance for an extra fee.
Related Idioms
  • Add fuel to the fire/flames: To make a bad situation worse, especially an argument.
    • Bringing up past mistakes only adds fuel to the fire.
  • Add insult to injury: To make a bad or disappointing situation even worse.
    • After losing my wallet, to add insult to injury, it started to rain.
Verb
  1. have an increased effect
    • This adds to my worries

Từ gần giống

Từ chứa "add to"