add to
Học thuậtThân 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
- have an increased effect
- This adds to my worries