subtract

[ suhb-trakt ]
/ səbˈtrækt /

verb (used with object)

to withdraw or take away, as a part from a whole.
Mathematics. to take (one number or quantity) from another; deduct.

verb (used without object)

to take away something or a part, as from a whole.

Origin of subtract

1530–40; < Latin subtractus (past participle of subtrahere to draw away from underneath), equivalent to sub- sub- + trac- (past participle stem of trahere to draw) + -tus past participle suffix

SYNONYMS FOR subtract

1, 3 Subtract, deduct express diminution in sum or quantity. To subtract suggests taking a part from a whole or a smaller from a larger: to subtract the tax from one's salary. To deduct is to take away an amount or quantity from an aggregate or total so as to lessen or lower it: to deduct a discount. Subtract is both transitive and intransitive, and has general or figurative uses; deduct is always transitive and usually concrete and practical in application.

ANTONYMS FOR subtract

1–3 add.

OTHER WORDS FROM subtract

sub·tract·er, noun un·sub·tract·ed, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for subtract

British Dictionary definitions for subtract

subtract
/ (səbˈtrækt) /

verb

to calculate the difference between (two numbers or quantities) by subtraction
to remove (a part of a thing, quantity, etc) from the whole

Derived forms of subtract

subtracter, noun

Word Origin for subtract

C16: from Latin subtractus withdrawn, from subtrahere to draw away from beneath, from sub- + trahere to draw