Augment: Definition, Synonyms, and Usage
Augment – Definition and Part of Speech
The word augment is primarily used as a verb in English. It means to make something greater by adding to it; to increase or enlarge. The term can apply across various contexts such as numbers, resources, ideas, or features. Other grammatical forms include the noun “augmentation” and the adjective “augmented,” each carrying related but distinct meanings.
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Increase | To make greater in size, amount, or degree | “The company plans to increase its workforce.” | Business/Formal |
| Enlarge | To make larger, especially by adding material | “She enlarged the photo for clarity.” | Informal/Casual |
| Boost | To raise something higher or stronger | “Sales have been boosted following the marketing campaign.” | Casual/Business |
| Enhance | To intensify, improve, or further a quality | “The new software enhances productivity.” | Academic/Formal |
| Expand | To increase in size, amount, or scope | “We need to expand our product line.” | Formal/Academic |
Usage Notes
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Increase: Often used in business and formal settings when discussing quantitative changes such as profits, hours, or production.
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Example Contexts: Business reports, economic analyses.
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Enlarge: Typically appears in casual conversations and informal contexts. It often refers to physical size or capacity.
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Example Contexts: Everyday dialogue, instructional manuals.
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Boost: Commonly used in both business and casual conversations to imply an upward movement in quality, numbers, or energy.
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Example Contexts: Marketing language, motivational talks.
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Enhance: A synonym suitable for academic papers or professional documents where qualitative improvement is emphasized.
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Example Contexts: Research studies, technical documentation.
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Expand: Frequently employed when describing growth or extension in scope within formal and strategic discussions.
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Example Contexts: Corporate strategy meetings, educational planning.
Common Pitfalls (Optional)
A common mistake learners might make with synonyms of augment is using them interchangeably without considering the context. For instance:
- Using “enlarge” instead of “increase” when referring to numbers or quantities can lead to confusion, as “enlarge” typically implies physical size.
- Similarly, “enhance” and “boost” are often used similarly but have slight nuances; “enhance” usually indicates a qualitative improvement while “boost” might refer more directly to quantity or strength.
Final Recap
To summarize, augment and its synonyms like increase, enlarge, boost, enhance, and expand offer various shades of meaning based on context. While they all indicate some form of addition or growth, the choice among them depends on whether the emphasis is on size, quality, or scope, as well as the register—formal versus informal—in which you’re writing or speaking.
Learners should practice using these synonyms in varied sentences to deepen their understanding and ability to select the most appropriate synonym based on context. Experiment by writing your own example sentences or incorporating them into conversations where they naturally fit.