addition
An addition is something extra that you put with something else to make it bigger or better.
Explanation at your level:
An addition is when you add one thing to another thing. If you have one apple and you get another, that is an addition. It makes your group bigger.
You use this word when you want to say something is extra. For example, a new chair is an addition to your room. It is a very useful word for talking about things you have added.
In English, we often use the phrase in addition to to add more information. It is a great way to link two ideas together in a sentence. For example, 'In addition to studying, she works part-time.'
The word addition is used to describe both the process of adding and the result. It is common in professional settings, such as talking about an addition to the budget or a new addition to the team.
Beyond simple quantity, addition can refer to supplementary features. You might describe an architectural addition or a legal addition to a contract. It implies a deliberate effort to enhance or expand an existing structure or agreement.
Etymologically, addition represents the concept of accretion. In sophisticated discourse, it can denote the accumulation of qualities or components that transform the nature of the original entity. It is a cornerstone of both mathematical logic and structural expansion.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Addition is a noun meaning the act of adding.
- It is used for math, objects, and people.
- Common phrase: 'in addition to'.
- Adjective form is 'additional'.
Think of addition as the act of bringing something new into the mix. Whether you are adding a spoonful of sugar to your tea or building a new wing onto a library, you are performing an addition.
It is a versatile word used in everything from simple mathematics to complex architectural projects. Essentially, if you have a group and you put something else inside it, you have created an addition.
The word addition comes to us from the Latin word additio, which means 'to add' or 'to join.' It traveled through Old French before settling into English during the 14th century.
Historically, it was heavily used in the context of arithmetic, but over time, it expanded to describe physical objects and abstract concepts. It is a classic example of a word that keeps its core meaning while growing to fit many different parts of our lives.
You will often hear people talk about a recent addition to the family or a valuable addition to a collection. It is a neutral word that fits perfectly in both casual conversation and formal reports.
In business, you might hear about an addition to the staff. In construction, it is common to hear about an addition to the building. It is a very flexible term that rarely sounds out of place.
While 'addition' itself is a noun, it appears in many phrases. In addition to is the most common, meaning 'also' or 'as well as.' For example: 'In addition to his job, he volunteers.' Another common phrase is a welcome addition, used when someone or something makes a group better.
The word is a standard noun. You can make it plural by adding an 's' to get additions. It is usually preceded by 'an' because it starts with a vowel sound.
Pronounced as /əˈdɪʃ.ən/ in both British and American English, the stress falls on the second syllable. It rhymes with words like condition, position, and tradition.
Fun Fact
It has remained remarkably stable in spelling since the 14th century.
Pronunciation Guide
Standard British pronunciation.
Standard American pronunciation.
Common Errors
- stressing the first syllable
- mispronouncing the 'tion' ending
- swallowing the 'd'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
easy
easy
easy
easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Noun usage
The addition is here.
Prepositional phrases
In addition to...
Articles
An addition.
Examples by Level
This is a new addition to our house.
new thing added
singular noun
He is a good addition to the team.
new member
noun phrase
I like this addition.
I like this extra thing
simple subject
Is there an addition?
is there something extra?
question form
The addition is small.
the extra part is small
adjective describing noun
We need an addition.
we need more
need + noun
An addition is helpful.
it helps
subject + verb
See the addition here.
look at the extra part
imperative
The addition of salt improves the flavor.
She is a welcome addition to our office.
The house has a new addition.
I made an addition to my list.
The addition was very expensive.
He is a recent addition to the club.
Every addition makes it better.
We discussed the addition today.
In addition to the main course, we had salad.
The new addition to the library is beautiful.
His addition to the project was vital.
We are planning an addition to our home.
The addition of new staff helped the company.
In addition to being smart, he is kind.
She is a great addition to the board.
The addition of color changed the painting.
The addition of a balcony adds value to the property.
In addition to his salary, he gets a bonus.
The new addition to the cast is very talented.
We need to consider the addition of new safety measures.
The addition of the annex solved our space problem.
In addition to the evidence, we have witnesses.
Her addition to the firm was a strategic move.
The addition of the software improved our speed.
The addition of these clauses significantly alters the contract.
In addition to the primary objective, we must consider the risks.
His addition to the research team brought new expertise.
The addition of decorative elements enhanced the design.
In addition to the financial costs, we must weigh the social impact.
The addition of the new wing was completed last year.
She is a valuable addition to our academic circle.
The addition of the catalyst accelerated the reaction.
The addition of such nuance elevates the entire argument.
In addition to the aforementioned facts, we must note the context.
The addition of the new territory expanded the empire's reach.
His addition to the canon of literature is undeniable.
The addition of these variables complicates the model.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the building is functional.
The addition of the final chapter completes the narrative arc.
Such an addition to the collection is highly sought after.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"in addition to"
as well as
In addition to pizza, we ordered salad.
neutral"a welcome addition"
someone/something that is liked
The new intern is a welcome addition.
neutral"add fuel to the fire"
make a bad situation worse
Don't add fuel to the fire.
casual"add insult to injury"
make a bad situation even worse
He lost his job, and to add insult to injury, his car broke down.
neutral"add up"
to make sense
His story doesn't add up.
casualEasily Confused
similar sound
edition is for books, addition is for adding
The second edition of the book vs an addition to the house.
same root
add is a verb, addition is a noun
I add water vs the addition of water.
same root
additional is an adjective
I need additional time.
same root
additionally is an adverb
Additionally, we should go.
Sentence Patterns
The addition of [noun] to [noun]
The addition of sugar to tea.
In addition to [noun], [subject] [verb]
In addition to work, I play.
A [adjective] addition
A welcome addition.
Make an addition
They made an addition.
The latest addition
The latest addition is here.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
9/10
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Addition is a noun, not a verb.
It is a fixed phrase.
They are opposites.
Edition is for books/media.
Additional is the adjective form.
Tips
The 'Add-On' Trick
Remember that 'addition' is just 'add' + 'it' + 'on'.
Professional Writing
Use 'in addition to' to sound more professional.
Baby News
Say 'a new addition to the family' for a baby.
Noun vs Verb
Don't say 'I will addition this'; say 'I will add this'.
The 'tion' sound
It sounds like 'shun'.
Don't confuse with Edition
Edition is for books, addition is for adding.
Math roots
It is one of the four basic math operations.
Sentence Building
Practice writing 5 sentences with 'in addition to'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Add-i-tion: You add it on!
Visual Association
A plus sign (+) being drawn on a wall.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'in addition to' three times today.
Word Origin
Latin
Original meaning: to add or join
Cultural Context
None, very neutral word.
Commonly used in real estate to describe home extensions.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at school
- addition problems
- math addition
- addition practice
at work
- addition to the staff
- addition to the budget
- valuable addition
at home
- house addition
- new addition
- kitchen addition
in writing
- in addition to
- as an addition
- further addition
Conversation Starters
"Who is the latest addition to your team?"
"What is a welcome addition to your daily routine?"
"Do you like doing addition in math?"
"What addition would you make to your house?"
"Is there an addition you would make to this project?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a new addition to your life.
Describe a time you added something to a project.
How do you feel about addition in math?
Imagine you are building an addition to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it is a noun. The verb is 'add'.
Additions.
Yes, 'a new addition to the family'.
Additional.
It is neutral and used in all contexts.
No, it is used for objects and concepts too.
Additionally.
Yes, very common.
Test Yourself
The new ___ to the house is great.
Addition is the noun needed here.
Which means 'extra'?
Addition means adding more.
Is 'addition' a verb?
Addition is a noun; 'add' is the verb.
Word
Meaning
These are synonyms.
Correct structure.
Score: /5
Summary
Addition is simply the act of bringing something new into an existing space or group.
- Addition is a noun meaning the act of adding.
- It is used for math, objects, and people.
- Common phrase: 'in addition to'.
- Adjective form is 'additional'.
The 'Add-On' Trick
Remember that 'addition' is just 'add' + 'it' + 'on'.
Professional Writing
Use 'in addition to' to sound more professional.
Baby News
Say 'a new addition to the family' for a baby.
Noun vs Verb
Don't say 'I will addition this'; say 'I will add this'.
Example
The new baby is a wonderful addition to our family.
Related Content
Learn it in Context
This Word in Other Languages
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