augmenter
C1Formal, Technical, Academic
Definition
Meaning
to make something larger, greater, or more intense by adding to it.
To increase the size, amount, value, or quality of something, often in a supplementary or enhancing manner. It can also refer to the action of adding a vowel or other element to the base form of a word (grammar/linguistics).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a deliberate, substantial, or significant increase, not just a minor one. The addition is typically something complementary that enhances the original. In music, it refers to lengthening the time values of notes. In grammar, it's a specific term for prefix modification.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. Slightly more common in formal British contexts (e.g., 'augmented reality'). In grammar/linguistics, 'augment' is the standard term in both varieties.
Connotations
Similar formal/technical connotation in both. In AmE, may be slightly more associated with tech/software contexts (e.g., 'augmenting staff with AI').
Frequency
Low-frequency in everyday conversation for both. Comparable frequency in formal writing. The noun 'augmentation' is also formal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] augment [NP] (with [NP])[NP] be augmented by [NP][NP] be augmented with [NP]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Augment one's fortunes”
- “Augment the coffers (formal/humorous)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for strategies to increase revenue, capacity, or workforce (e.g., 'We augmented the team with freelance consultants').
Academic
Common in social sciences, medicine, and linguistics (e.g., 'The study was augmented by longitudinal data').
Everyday
Rare in casual talk. Might be used for income or home improvements (e.g., 'She augments her salary with freelance work').
Technical
Key term in computing ('augmented reality'), music ('augmented chord'), and grammar ('augment' in Greek verbs).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The research grant will augment the laboratory's funding.
- He augments his pension by doing consultancy work.
- The choir was augmented by local singers for the festival.
American English
- The software uses AI to augment the user's capabilities.
- They decided to augment their staff with temporary workers.
- Farmers often augment their income with agritourism.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable. The derived adverb 'augmentatively' is exceedingly rare and not standard.
American English
- Not applicable. The derived adverb 'augmentatively' is exceedingly rare and not standard.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as primary form. The related adjective is 'augmentative' (rare) or participial 'augmented' (e.g., augmented chord).
American English
- Not applicable as primary form. The related adjective is 'augmentative' or participial 'augmented' (e.g., augmented reality).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She found a part-time job to augment her income.
- The chef augmented the sauce with fresh herbs.
- The company plans to augment its workforce to meet the new demand.
- Archaeological findings have been augmented by recent satellite imagery.
- The government's austerity measures were ostensibly augmented by targeted welfare payments.
- Phonological theory often uses augmentative processes to explain certain morphological changes.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of AUGUST + MENT. In **August**, you might want to **augment** (increase) your holiday fun.
Conceptual Metaphor
BUILDING UP IS INCREASING (We augment our knowledge, building a larger structure of understanding).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'аугментировать' (a direct transliteration) as it sounds unnatural. Use 'увеличивать', 'расширять', or 'дополнять' depending on context.
- Do not confuse with 'argument' (спор, аргумент). They are false friends.
- In technical contexts like AR, 'augmented reality' is correctly translated as 'дополненная реальность'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in place of simpler words like 'add' or 'increase' in informal contexts, making speech sound stilted. (Incorrect: 'I'll augment some milk to the shopping list.')
- Misspelling as 'augument'.
- Confusing verb/noun forms: 'augment' (verb) vs. 'augmentation' (noun).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'augment' used INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very similar, but 'augment' often implies a more deliberate, formal, or supplementary addition that enhances the original. 'Increase' is more general and neutral.
'Augment' focuses on increasing size/amount. 'Complement' means to add something that makes a perfect pair or improves quality by contrast. 'Supplement' means to add an extra part to complete or compensate for a deficiency.
No, it's a mid-to-low frequency word (C1 level). It's common in formal, technical, and academic writing but rare in casual conversation.
The primary noun form is 'augmentation'. Example: 'The augmentation of the budget was welcome.'