Play GamesMy progressVocabulary testSettings
en English es español fr française it italiano de deutsche ja 日本語 pl polski cs česky sv svenska tr Türkçe nl Nederlands

Please, sign up or log in to not lose your learning progress!

"Reduce" vs. "decrease": what's the difference?

Reviewed and edited by Anwar Kareem 08/11/2025, 01:23
English.me team member
Reduce and decrease. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "reduce" and "decrease" refer to making something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size. They are often used interchangeably when discussing lowering numbers, quantities, or intensities.

What is different?

"Reduce" generally refers to the act of making something smaller or less in a broader sense and can involve changing form or transforming, while "decrease" typically focuses on the process of becoming smaller in number or intensity. "Reduce" is more active and often requires a subject performing the action, whereas "decrease" can be used passively or actively.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for reduce) and decrease

Examples of usage

Reduce
  • We need to reduce our expenses this month.
  • The factory is working to reduce air pollution.
  • She reduced the amount of sugar in the recipe.
Decrease
  • Sales decreased last year.
  • The temperature will decrease overnight.
  • His interest in the project has decreased.