Add vs. Addition: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Add is a verb meaning to join or combine, whereas Addition is a noun referring to the act of adding or the thing that is added.
Key Differences
Add is primarily a verb, used to describe the action of combining two or more items together. On the other hand, Addition is a noun, often referring to the result of the act of adding, or the process itself. Both terms are fundamental in mathematics but also extend to general usage in various contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
In grammar, Add is an imperative or action word, directing or describing the act of joining. Addition, in contrast, often appears as a subject or object within a sentence, representing the concept or outcome of adding. Both terms are integral to constructing sentences that involve the concept of increase or augmentation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Add can be used in a variety of contexts, including mathematics, cooking, and conversation, to indicate the process of putting something to another. Addition is more specific, often denoting a mathematical operation or the item that has been added. Both words are crucial for expressing concepts of accumulation and increase.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
The versatility of Add allows it to be used metaphorically, such as adding to a conversation or an idea. Addition tends to be more literal, referring to a tangible or specific augmentation, like a new room in a house or an extra ingredient in a recipe. Both terms, however, enrich the language by providing means to express the concept of enhancement or increase.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
In usage, Add is an active term, implying an ongoing or completed action. Addition carries a sense of finality or completion, representing the end result or the process as a whole. Although used differently, both add and addition are essential for discussing concepts of combining or increasing in various fields.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Usage in a Sentence
Indicates action (e.g., "Add the numbers")
Refers to the result or process (e.g., "The addition of numbers")
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Dec 13, 2023
Contextual Application
Can be metaphorical or literal (e.g., "Add some spice to the story")
Usually literal, referring to something added (e.g., "The new wing is a great addition to the house")
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Dec 13, 2023
Grammatical Role
Mainly used as a command or part of a verb phrase
Often used as a subject or object in a sentence
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Dec 13, 2023
Conceptual Focus
On the action of combining or increasing
On the outcome, process, or item that has been added
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Dec 13, 2023
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Add and Addition Definitions
Addition
A part added to something
The new room was an addition to their house.
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Dec 05, 2023
Add
To perform the mathematical operation of addition
Add the columns of figures for the total.
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Dec 05, 2023
Addition
An extra element or amount added
Her comment was a helpful addition to the conversation.
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Dec 05, 2023
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Addition
The result of adding numbers
The addition of these two sums equals twenty.
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Dec 05, 2023
Addition
A subsection or annex to a building
They built an addition for extra storage space.
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Dec 05, 2023
Add
To join or combine (numbers) through addition
If you add 5 and 10 and 17, the result is 32. If you add 6 to 8, you get 14.
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Dec 05, 2023
Addition
The act or process of adding or combining
The addition of ingredients makes the dish flavorful.
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Dec 05, 2023
Add
To join or unite so as to increase in size, quantity, quality, or scope
Added 12 inches to the deck.
Flowers that added beauty to the dinner table.
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Dec 05, 2023
Addition
The operation that, for positive integers, consists of increasing by a definite number of increments of 1. The operation is extended to other numbers according to the additive properties of positive integers and other algebraic properties.
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Dec 05, 2023
Addition
Any of certain analogous operations involving mathematical objects other than numbers.
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Dec 05, 2023
Addition
The process of adding or joining something to something else, typically to make it larger
The addition of a porch to the house would increase its resale value.
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Dec 05, 2023
Addition
Something added
This painting would make a fine addition to the museum's collection.
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Dec 05, 2023
Addition
(uncountable) The act of adding anything.
The addition of five more items to the agenda will make the meeting unbearably long.
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Dec 05, 2023
Add
(transitive) To join or unite (e.g. one thing to another, or as several particulars) so as to increase the number, augment the quantity, or enlarge the magnitude, or so as to form into one aggregate.
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Dec 05, 2023
Add
(transitive) To combine elements of (something) into one quantity.
To add a column of numbers
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Dec 05, 2023
Addition
(music) A dot at the right side of a note as an indication that its sound is to be lengthened one half.
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Dec 05, 2023
Add
(transitive) To give by way of increased possession (to someone); to bestow (on).
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Dec 05, 2023
Addition
A title annexed to a person's name to identify him or her more precisely.
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Dec 05, 2023
Add
(transitive) To append (e.g. a statement); to say further information; to add on.
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Dec 05, 2023
Addition
(heraldry) Something added to a coat of arms, as a mark of honour.
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Dec 05, 2023
Add
(intransitive) To make an addition; to augment; to increase; to add on.
It adds to our anxiety.
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Dec 05, 2023
Addition
The act of adding two or more things together; - opposed to subtraction or diminution.
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Dec 05, 2023
Addition
Anything added; increase; augmentation; as, a piazza is an addition to a building.
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Dec 05, 2023
Add
To summon minions or reinforcements.
Typically, a hostile mob will add whenever it's within the aggro radius of a player.
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Dec 05, 2023
Addition
A dot at the right side of a note as an indication that its sound is to be lengthened one half.
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Dec 05, 2023
Addition
A title annexed to a man's name, to identify him more precisely; as, John Doe, Esq.; Richard Roe, Gent.; Robert Dale, Mason; Thomas Way, of New York; a mark of distinction; a title.
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Dec 05, 2023
Add
(video games) An additional enemy that joins a fight after the primary target.
When the player has fought the boss for one minute, two adds will arrive from the back and must be dealt with.
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Dec 05, 2023
Addition
Something added to a coat of arms, as a mark of honor; - opposed to abatement.
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Dec 05, 2023
Add
To give by way of increased possession (to any one); to bestow (on).
The Lord shall add to me another son.
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Dec 05, 2023
Addition
A component that is added to something to improve it;
The addition of a bathroom was a major improvement
The addition of cinammon improved the flavor
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Dec 05, 2023
Add
To join or unite, as one thing to another, or as several particulars, so as to increase the number, augment the quantity, enlarge the magnitude, or so as to form into one aggregate. Hence: To sum up; to put together mentally; as, to add numbers; to add up a column.
Back to thy punishment,False fugitive, and to thy speed add wings.
As easily as he can add together the ideas of two days or two years.
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Dec 05, 2023
Addition
The act of adding one thing to another;
The addition of flowers created a pleasing effect
The addition of a leap day every four years
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Dec 05, 2023
Add
To append, as a statement; to say further.
He added that he would willingly consent to the entire abolition of the tax.
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Dec 05, 2023
Addition
A quantity that is added;
There was an addition to property taxes this year
They recorded the cattle's gain in weight over a period of weeks
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Dec 05, 2023
Add
To make an addition. To add to, to augment; to increase; as, it adds to our anxiety.
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Dec 05, 2023
Addition
Something added to what you already have;
The librarian shelved the new accessions
He was a new addition to the staff
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Dec 05, 2023
Add
To perform the arithmetical operation of addition; as, he adds rapidly.
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Dec 05, 2023
Addition
A suburban area laid out in streets and lots for a future residential area
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Dec 05, 2023
Add
A condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders
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Dec 05, 2023
Addition
The arithmetic operation of summing; calculating the sum of two or more numbers;
The summation of four and three gives seven
Four plus three equals seven
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Dec 05, 2023
Add
Make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, zise or scope of;
We added two students to that dorm room
She added a personal note to her letter
Add insult to injury
Add some extra plates to the dinner table
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Dec 05, 2023
Add
Bestow a quality on;
Her presence lends a certain cachet to the company
The music added a lot to the play
She brings a special atmosphere to our meetings
This adds a light note to the program
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Dec 05, 2023
Add
Determine the sum of;
Add all the people in this town to those of the neighboring town
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Dec 05, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can 'add' be used in non-mathematical contexts?
Yes, 'add' can be used metaphorically in various contexts, like adding to a conversation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
What is the primary function of the word 'add'?
'Add' is primarily used as a verb to describe the action of combining or joining things together.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Is 'addition' limited to mathematics?
No, 'addition' can refer to any process of adding or anything that has been added, not just in math.
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Dec 13, 2023
How is 'add' used in a sentence?
'Add' is used as a verb, such as "Add the numbers" or "Add some sugar to the tea."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Can 'add' be used as a noun?
While 'add' is primarily a verb, it can sometimes be used informally as a noun, though this is rare.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Can 'add' indicate a metaphorical increase?
Yes, 'add' can metaphorically indicate increasing or enhancing something, like a story or idea.
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Dec 13, 2023
What does 'addition' imply in a sentence?
'Addition' implies the result or process of adding, or the item added, as in "The addition was beneficial."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Can 'addition' be a physical part of something?
Yes, 'addition' can refer to a physical part added to something, like a building.
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Dec 13, 2023
Is 'addition' ever used as a verb?
No, 'addition' is strictly a noun; the verb form is 'add'.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
How does 'add' relate to mathematics?
In mathematics, 'add' refers to the operation of summing numbers or quantities.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Does 'addition' have metaphorical uses?
'Addition' is usually more literal and refers to tangible or specific augmentations.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Can 'add' be used in cooking?
Yes, 'add' is often used in cooking instructions, like "Add salt to taste."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
What is the grammatical role of 'addition'?
'Addition' usually serves as a noun, either as a subject or object in a sentence.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Are there synonyms for 'add'?
Yes, synonyms for 'add' include 'append', 'include', and 'incorporate'.
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Dec 13, 2023
Is 'addition' used in architectural contexts?
Yes, in architecture, 'addition' can refer to a new part built onto an existing structure.
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Dec 13, 2023
How does 'add' function grammatically?
Grammatically, 'add' functions as a verb, often as part of a command or verb phrase.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
What are some synonyms for 'addition'?
Synonyms for 'addition' include 'annex', 'extension', and 'supplement'.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
What does 'addition' mean in mathematics?
In mathematics, 'addition' is the process of adding numbers, or the result of this process.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Can 'add' have different meanings based on context?
Yes, 'add' can have varied meanings depending on context, from literal to metaphorical.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Does 'addition' always refer to physical things?
No, 'addition' can refer to both physical and abstract concepts, like ideas or numbers.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
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Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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