augment
Noun
Medium difficulty
What does “augment” mean?
noun.to make something greater by adding to it; to increase.
SAT Usage
Augment is commonly found in passages related to technology, economics, or personal development, emphasizing the act of enhancing or improving something rather than merely increasing its size or quantity. Unlike synonyms like "increase," which can imply a neutral or passive growth, this term suggests a deliberate effort to enhance value or effectiveness.
Common Confusions
Augment implies a deliberate enhancement or improvement of value, while increase usually suggests a neutral or passive growth in size or quantity.
Do not choose augment if the context emphasizes reduction or decrease rather than making something greater by adding to it.
Example Sentences
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The money from renting out a spare room can augment a salary.
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She decided to augment her income by taking on freelance work.