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(), v. i.[imp. & p. p.Decreased (); p. pr. & vb. n.Decreasing.] [OE. decrecen, fr. OF. decreistre, F. dcrotre, or from the OF. noun (see Decrease, n.), fr. L. decrescere to grow less; de + crescere to grow. See Crescent, and cf. Increase.] To grow less, -- opposed to increase; to be diminished gradually, in size, degree, number, duration, etc., or in strength, quality, or excellence; as, they days decrease in length from June to December. He must increase, but I must decrease. John iii. 30. Syn. -- To Decrease, Diminish. Things usually decrease or fall off by degrees, and from within, or through some cause which is imperceptible; as, the flood decreases; the cold decreases; their affection has decreased. Things commonly diminish by an influence from without, or one which is apparent; as, the army was diminished by disease; his property is diminishing through extravagance; their affection has diminished since their separation their separatio Decrease" v. t.To cause to grow less; to diminish gradually; as, extravagance decreases one's means. That might decrease their present store. Prior. Decrease" n.[OE. decrees, OF. decreis, fr. decreistre. See Decrease, v.] 1. A becoming less; gradual diminution; decay; as, a decrease of revenue or of strength. 2. The wane of the moon. Bacon. スポンサード リンク
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