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It is not only important, but, in a degree necessary, that the people of this country, should have an American Dictionary of the English language; for, although the body of the language is the same as in England, and it is desirable to perpetuate that sameness, yet some differences must exist. Language is the expression of ideas; and if the people of one country cannot preserve an identity of ideas, they cannot retain an identity of language. |
DECREASE, v.i. [L. To grow.] To become less; to be diminished gradually, in extent, bulk, quantity, or amount, or in strength, quality, or excellence; as, the days decrease in length from June to December.
DECREASE, v.t. To lessen; to make smaller in dimensions, amount, quality or excellence, &c; to diminish gradually or by small deductions; as, extravagance decreases the means of charity; every payment decreases a debt; intemperance decreases the strength and powers of life.
DECREASE, n.
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 separation. The turn of thought, however, is often such that these words may be interchanged. The olive leaf, which certainly them told Crete's ample fields diminish to our eye; To cause to grow
less; to diminish gradually; as, extravagance decreases one's
means.
That might decrease their present store. Prior. A becoming less;
gradual diminution; decay; as, a decrease of revenue or of
strength.
The wane of the moon.
Bacon. | ||||||||