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augmentation

B1 noun #1,500 most common 10 min read

augmentation

Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips augmentation in 30 Seconds

Explanation augmentation in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn French. You might not use the word 'augmentation' very often yourself, but you will start to see it on signs or hear it when people talk about money. It is a long word, but it simply means 'increase' or 'going up'. For example, if the price of a coffee goes from 2 euros to 3 euros, that is an 'augmentation'. You might hear people say 'l'augmentation des prix', which means 'the increase in prices'. It is a feminine noun, so we say 'une augmentation' or 'la augmentation' (which becomes l'augmentation). When you go shopping in France, or when you look at a menu, you might notice that prices have changed. If they are higher, someone might complain about the 'augmentation'. It is a good word to recognize because it helps you understand when things are getting more expensive. You don't need to worry about complex grammar with this word yet. Just remember that it means things are going up, usually numbers, prices, or amounts. Practice saying it slowly: aug-men-ta-tion. It sounds a bit like the English word 'augmentation', but the ending is pronounced differently. Knowing this word will help you understand basic news headlines and simple conversations about shopping and daily expenses.

At the A2 level, your vocabulary is expanding to cover more everyday situations, including work and shopping. The word 'augmentation' becomes much more useful here. You will use it to talk about changes in your daily life. The most common way you will hear and use this word is when talking about a salary raise: 'une augmentation de salaire'. If you have a job in a French-speaking country, this is a very important phrase! You might say, 'Je voudrais une augmentation' (I would like a raise). You will also use it to talk about bills and expenses. For example, 'Il y a une augmentation du loyer' (There is an increase in the rent). At this level, you should start paying attention to the prepositions used with the word. We almost always use 'de' after it to say what is increasing. For example, 'l'augmentation du prix' (the increase of the price). You can also start using simple adjectives with it, like 'une petite augmentation' (a small increase) or 'une grande augmentation' (a large increase). Understanding this word helps you participate in basic conversations about the economy, your job, and your budget. It is a key word for expressing that something has changed and become bigger or more expensive.

At the B1 level, 'augmentation' is a core vocabulary word that you must master. You are now capable of discussing more abstract concepts, current events, and professional situations. You will use 'augmentation' to express opinions on inflation, social issues, and workplace dynamics. You should be comfortable using verbs like 'demander' (to ask for), 'obtenir' (to get), and 'refuser' (to refuse) in conjunction with 'une augmentation'. For example, 'J'ai demandé une augmentation à mon patron, mais il a refusé.' You will also encounter this word frequently in French news media (journal télévisé, articles de presse) when journalists discuss 'l'augmentation du chômage' (the rise in unemployment) or 'l'augmentation des impôts' (tax increases). At this stage, you should also be familiar with the adjectival phrase 'en augmentation', meaning 'increasing' or 'on the rise' (e.g., 'Le nombre de touristes est en augmentation'). You need to know the antonyms as well, such as 'la diminution' or 'la baisse', to make comparisons. Using 'augmentation' correctly demonstrates that you can talk about trends and changes over time, which is a key requirement for the B1 level. It bridges the gap between simple descriptions and more complex analytical discussions.

At the B2 level, your use of 'augmentation' should be highly nuanced and accurate. You are expected to engage in detailed discussions about economics, politics, and social trends, where this word is indispensable. You should comfortably use a variety of sophisticated adjectives to modify it, such as 'une augmentation significative' (a significant increase), 'une augmentation fulgurante' (a meteoric rise), or 'une augmentation graduelle' (a gradual increase). You will use it in complex sentence structures, such as 'Bien qu'il y ait eu une augmentation des revenus, le pouvoir d'achat a diminué.' (Although there was an increase in income, purchasing power decreased). In professional contexts, you should be able to role-play a salary negotiation, articulating arguments for 'une augmentation salariale' based on performance metrics. Furthermore, you should recognize and understand its synonyms, like 'la hausse', 'l'accroissement', and 'la croissance', and know when to use each one appropriately to avoid repetition in your essays and presentations. At this level, 'augmentation' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a conceptual tool used to analyze data, interpret graphs, and debate public policy in a fluent and articulate manner.

At the C1 level, your mastery of 'augmentation' is demonstrated by your ability to use it in highly formal, academic, and specialized contexts. You will encounter this word in complex literature, scientific reports, and legal documents. Your vocabulary should reflect a deep understanding of its collocations and register. You might discuss 'l'augmentation exponentielle' (the exponential increase) of a phenomenon, or 'une augmentation marginale' (a marginal increase) in statistical analysis. You will seamlessly integrate it into sophisticated rhetorical structures, using it to build compelling arguments about macroeconomic trends, demographic shifts, or environmental changes (e.g., 'l'augmentation des gaz à effet de serre'). At this level, you are also acutely aware of the subtle differences between 'augmentation' and its near-synonyms. For instance, you know that 'majoration' is often used specifically for an increase in a fine or a specific rate, while 'augmentation' is more general. You can comfortably read and write comprehensive reports detailing 'les facteurs sous-jacents de l'augmentation' (the underlying factors of the increase). Your use of the word is precise, elegant, and indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, allowing you to navigate complex intellectual discourse with ease.

At the C2 level, 'augmentation' is a word you manipulate with absolute precision and stylistic flair. You understand its etymological roots and how it functions within the broader architecture of the French language. You can use it in literary or highly abstract contexts, perhaps discussing 'l'augmentation de la conscience' (the expansion of consciousness) or 'l'augmentation du capital culturel' (the increase of cultural capital) in sociological debates. You are adept at using idiomatic and figurative expressions related to growth and increase, and you know exactly when 'augmentation' is the perfect word choice versus a more poetic or specialized term. In high-level professional or diplomatic negotiations, you use the word strategically to convey precise degrees of change. You can deconstruct complex texts that analyze the socio-political ramifications of 'les augmentations tarifaires' (tariff increases) and articulate your own sophisticated critiques. At this pinnacle of language proficiency, 'augmentation' is fully integrated into your expansive lexicon, allowing you to express the most subtle nuances of growth, escalation, and enhancement across any discipline or register.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

augmentation in 30 Seconds

Means 'increase' or 'raise'.
Feminine noun: une augmentation.
Often used for salary (raise).
Opposite of 'diminution' (decrease).

The French word 'augmentation' is a fundamental and highly versatile noun that you will encounter frequently in both everyday conversations and formal contexts. At its core, it refers to the action or process of making something greater in size, amount, degree, or status. For English speakers, it translates most directly to 'increase', 'rise', 'growth', or 'raise' (specifically in the context of salary). Understanding this word is crucial for navigating French society, whether you are discussing economic trends, negotiating a job contract, or simply talking about the rising cost of living. The concept of an 'augmentation' is deeply embedded in discussions about purchasing power, which is a frequent topic of conversation in France. When people talk about 'une augmentation', they are often referring to an increase in their wages, making it a word charged with personal and professional significance. Beyond the workplace, the word is used to describe physical growth, statistical increases, and the intensification of abstract concepts like stress or pressure.

Economic Context: In economics, it refers to inflation, price hikes, and tax increases.

Les citoyens protestent contre l'augmentation des taxes sur le carburant.

The versatility of the word means it can be applied to almost anything that can be measured or quantified. For instance, you might hear about an 'augmentation de la température' during a weather forecast, or an 'augmentation du volume' when adjusting a sound system.

Physical Context: Used to describe the physical expansion or growth of an object, population, or area.

Nous observons une augmentation rapide de la population urbaine.

It is also important to note the grammatical gender of the word. Like most French words ending in '-tion', 'augmentation' is feminine. Therefore, it is always preceded by feminine articles and adjectives, such as 'une', 'la', 'cette', or 'belle'. In everyday speech, you will often hear verbs like 'demander' (to ask for), 'obtenir' (to get/obtain), or 'refuser' (to refuse) paired with 'augmentation'.

Professional Context: The process of negotiating better compensation for one's labor.

Il a pris son courage à deux mains pour demander une augmentation.

The word can also carry a negative connotation when it refers to things people do not want to increase, such as crime rates, unemployment, or expenses.

L'augmentation du chômage inquiète le gouvernement.

Conversely, it is highly positive when applied to profits, life expectancy, or quality of life.

L'entreprise a enregistré une augmentation de ses bénéfices ce trimestre.

Mastering this word will significantly enhance your ability to comprehend French news broadcasts, participate in workplace discussions, and express changes in quantities or degrees accurately. It is a foundational building block for achieving fluency at the B1 level and beyond, bridging the gap between simple vocabulary and complex socio-economic discourse.

Using 'augmentation' correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of its collocations—the words that naturally go with it. Because it is a noun representing a change, it is frequently the subject or the object of a sentence, and it is heavily modified by adjectives that describe the nature, speed, or size of the increase. For example, if you want to say 'an increase in prices', you must say 'une augmentation des prix'.

Describing the Size: Use adjectives like forte (strong), légère (slight), or importante (significant).

Nous avons constaté une légère augmentation des ventes ce mois-ci.

When discussing the speed of the increase, adjectives like 'rapide' (rapid), 'soudaine' (sudden), or 'progressive' (gradual) are very common.

Describing the Speed: Adjectives that denote time and pacing help clarify how the increase occurred.

L'augmentation soudaine de la demande a provoqué des ruptures de stock.

In a professional setting, the verbs you use with 'augmentation' are highly specific. You 'demand' (demander), 'negotiate' (négocier), 'obtain' (obtenir), or 'grant' (accorder) a raise.

Mon patron a refusé de m'accorder une augmentation cette année.

Statistical Context: Used with verbs of observation and measurement in formal reports.

Les statistiques montrent une augmentation de dix pour cent.

It is also very common to use 'en augmentation' as an adjectival phrase meaning 'increasing' or 'on the rise'. For example, 'Le nombre d'étudiants est en augmentation' means 'The number of students is increasing'. This is a very elegant and native-sounding way to express an ongoing trend without having to conjugate the verb 'augmenter'.

Les cas de grippe sont en forte augmentation cet hiver.

When writing essays or formal emails, using 'augmentation' helps elevate your language from the simpler verb 'monter' (to go up). Instead of saying 'Les prix montent' (Prices are going up), saying 'On observe une augmentation des prix' sounds much more sophisticated and appropriate for a B1/B2 level. Practice combining the noun with different prepositions, adjectives, and verbs to build complex, descriptive sentences that accurately convey your meaning.

The word 'augmentation' is ubiquitous in the French-speaking world, echoing through various facets of daily life, media, and professional environments. One of the most common places you will hear this word is on the daily news, specifically during economic segments. French news outlets like France 2, TF1, or BFM TV frequently discuss 'l'augmentation du coût de la vie' (the increase in the cost of living) or 'l'augmentation du SMIC' (the increase in the minimum wage).

Media and News: Journalists use it constantly to report on inflation, taxes, and economic policies.

Le journal télévisé a annoncé une nouvelle augmentation du prix du gaz.

Another critical arena where this word dominates is the workplace. During the 'entretien annuel' (annual performance review), employees eagerly anticipate or nervously initiate conversations about an 'augmentation'.

Corporate Environment: Human resources, managers, and employees use it to discuss compensation and benefits.

J'ai préparé mes arguments pour justifier ma demande d'augmentation.

You will also hear it in everyday consumer situations. When chatting with a baker, they might apologize for the 'augmentation' of the price of a baguette due to the rising cost of flour.

Daily Commerce: Used by shopkeepers and customers to discuss changes in retail prices.

Avez-vous remarqué l'augmentation des tarifs des transports en commun ?

In medical or scientific contexts, doctors might discuss an 'augmentation' of heart rate, blood pressure, or white blood cells.

Le médecin a noté une augmentation de la tension artérielle du patient.

Real estate is another sector where the word is heavily utilized; real estate agents constantly talk about the 'augmentation' of property values or rent.

L'augmentation des loyers à Paris pousse les gens vers la banlieue.

Because France has a strong culture of social protest and unionization, the word is frequently written on protest banners (pancartes) during strikes (grèves), with workers demanding 'Augmentation des salaires !'. Understanding the contexts in which this word appears provides a window into the socio-economic priorities and daily concerns of the French people.

When learning to use 'augmentation', English speakers frequently fall into a few predictable traps, primarily involving prepositions, gender, and direct translation errors. The most glaring mistake is translating 'an increase in' directly to 'une augmentation dans'. In French, the preposition 'de' (or its contracted forms 'du', 'des') is almost exclusively used to link 'augmentation' to the thing that is increasing.

Preposition Errors: Using 'dans' or 'en' instead of 'de' to indicate what is increasing.

Correct: L'augmentation des impôts est inévitable.

Another common error relates to gender. Because the word ends in '-tion', it is strictly feminine. Learners sometimes mistakenly use masculine articles or adjectives, saying 'un augmentation' or 'le grand augmentation'.

Gender Agreement: Failing to use feminine articles (une, la) and feminine adjective endings.

C'est une belle augmentation que tu as obtenue !

A third mistake involves the verb choice when talking about getting a raise. English speakers often try to translate 'to make an increase' or 'to do an increase' (faire une augmentation). While a boss might 'faire une augmentation' (give a raise), the employee 'obtient' (gets) or 'reçoit' (receives) it.

Verb Collocations: Using incorrect verbs like 'prendre une augmentation' instead of 'avoir' or 'obtenir'.

J'espère avoir une augmentation à la fin de l'année.

Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse 'augmentation' with 'addition'. In English, an 'addition' can mean an increase (e.g., an addition to the family), but in French, 'une addition' is strictly a mathematical sum or the restaurant bill.

Il ne faut pas confondre l'addition du restaurant et l'augmentation des prix.

Finally, pronunciation can be tricky. The 'en' in the middle of the word is a nasal vowel, and the 'tion' is pronounced 'see-ohn' (with a nasal 'o'), not 'shun' as in English.

Écoutez bien la prononciation du mot augmentation pour éviter l'accent anglais.

By being mindful of these prepositions, gender rules, verb pairings, false friends, and pronunciation nuances, you can use this essential word with native-like accuracy and confidence.

While 'augmentation' is the most standard and versatile word for 'increase', the French language offers a rich tapestry of synonyms and related terms that can add nuance, precision, and variety to your vocabulary. Knowing when to use these alternatives will significantly elevate your French from intermediate to advanced. A very common synonym, especially in economic contexts, is 'la hausse'.

La Hausse: Often used interchangeably with augmentation for prices and rates. 'En hausse' means 'on the rise'.

La Bourse a clôturé en forte hausse, marquant une augmentation des indices.

Another excellent alternative is 'l'accroissement'. This word is slightly more formal and is often used to describe a natural, organic, or gradual growth, such as population growth or the expansion of wealth.

L'Accroissement: Implies a continuous, cumulative growth over time.

L'accroissement de la population nécessite une augmentation des infrastructures.

If you are talking about physical size or volume, 'l'agrandissement' (enlargement) or 'l'élargissement' (widening) might be more appropriate than 'augmentation'. For example, you would talk about 'l'agrandissement d'une maison' (the extension of a house), not its augmentation.

La Croissance: Translates to 'growth', used for economics, plants, and children.

La croissance économique entraîne souvent une augmentation des salaires.

When discussing a sudden, sharp increase, you might use 'un bond' (a leap) or 'une flambée' (a sudden outbreak or skyrocketing, often used for prices).

La flambée des prix du pétrole est une augmentation brutale.

Conversely, it is vital to know the antonyms. The direct opposite of 'augmentation' is 'la diminution' (decrease) or 'la baisse' (drop/fall).

Après une forte augmentation, nous espérons une baisse des tarifs.

By integrating these synonyms and antonyms into your active vocabulary, you can describe trends, changes, and negotiations with much greater precision, avoiding the repetitive use of a single word and demonstrating a deeper mastery of the French language.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Nous constatons une augmentation significative du chiffre d'affaires."

Neutral

"Il y a une augmentation des prix au supermarché."

Informal

"J'ai enfin eu mon augmentation !"

Child friendly

"Regarde l'augmentation de la taille de la plante !"

Slang

"Mon boss a lâché l'augmentation."

Fun Fact

In classical rhetoric, 'augmentation' (or auxesis) was a specific technique where words were arranged in ascending order of importance to create a climax. Today, while French people still use it for general increases, if a French person sighs and says 'J'attends mon augmentation', they are 100% talking about their paycheck, not rhetoric!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /oɡ.mɑ̃.ta.sjɔ̃/

US /oɡ.mɑ̃.ta.sjɔ̃/

The stress in French is always on the final syllable. Therefore, the stress falls heavily on 'tion' (/sjɔ̃/).

Rhymes With

nation attention information situation passion action réaction solution création direction

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'au' as 'ow' (like in 'cow'). It should be a closed 'o' sound.
Failing to nasalize the 'en' (/mɑ̃/). It should not sound like the English word 'men'.
Pronouncing the 't' in 'tion' as a hard 't' or 'sh'. It should sound like an 's' (/sj/).
Pronouncing 'tion' as 'shun' (like in English 'nation'). It must be 'see-ohn' with a nasal 'o'.
Putting the stress on the first or middle syllable. The stress must be on the final syllable 'tion'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Very easy to recognize for English speakers due to identical spelling. Context usually makes the meaning obvious.

Writing 3/5

Spelling is easy, but remembering to use feminine agreements and the preposition 'de' requires practice.

Speaking 4/5

Pronunciation is challenging. The nasal vowels ('en', 'tion') and avoiding the English 'shun' sound take effort.

Listening 3/5

Can be missed if spoken quickly because the liaison (e.g., u-naugmentation) blends it into the previous word.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

un prix un salaire plus monter grand

Learn Next

une diminution la hausse la baisse le pourcentage le pouvoir d'achat

Advanced

l'inflation l'accroissement la majoration exponentiel fluctuer

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in '-tion' are almost always feminine.

une augmentation, la situation, une information.

Use 'de' to link a noun of quantity/change to the thing changing.

une augmentation DE salaire (not 'dans le salaire').

Liaison is required after 'une' or 'en' before a vowel.

une [n]augmentation, en [n]augmentation.

Adjectives must agree in gender (feminine) and number.

une fortE augmentation, des augmentationS importantES.

To express 'increasing', use 'être en augmentation'.

Les prix sont en augmentation.

Examples by Level

C'est une grande augmentation.

It is a big increase.

Feminine noun with feminine adjective 'grande'.

Je vois l'augmentation du prix.

I see the price increase.

Use of 'de + le' contracting to 'du'.

Il y a une augmentation.

There is an increase.

Basic 'il y a' structure.

L'augmentation est rapide.

The increase is fast.

Subject + être + adjective.

Une petite augmentation.

A small increase.

Adjective 'petite' before the noun.

Je n'aime pas l'augmentation.

I do not like the increase.

Negative sentence with definite article.

L'augmentation du loyer.

The rent increase.

Common noun phrase.

C'est une augmentation normale.

It is a normal increase.

Adjective 'normale' after the noun.

Je voudrais une augmentation de salaire.

I would like a salary raise.

Conditional 'voudrais' for politeness.

L'augmentation des prix est difficile pour nous.

The price increase is difficult for us.

Plural contraction 'des'.

Mon patron a refusé mon augmentation.

My boss refused my raise.

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

Il y a une augmentation du nombre d'étudiants.

There is an increase in the number of students.

Expression of quantity.

Nous avons une augmentation de cinq pour cent.

We have a five percent increase.

Using percentages.

L'augmentation commence demain.

The increase starts tomorrow.

Present tense for near future.

Avez-vous eu une augmentation cette année ?

Did you get a raise this year?

Question in passé composé.

C'est la plus grande augmentation de l'année.

It is the biggest increase of the year.

Superlative form.

Les syndicats réclament une augmentation immédiate du SMIC.

The unions are demanding an immediate increase in the minimum wage.

Use of 'réclamer' and specific economic terms.

On observe une augmentation inquiétante de la pollution.

We observe a worrying increase in pollution.

Impersonal 'on' and present participle adjective.

Si je n'obtiens pas d'augmentation, je démissionnerai.

If I don't get a raise, I will resign.

First conditional (Si + present, future).

L'augmentation des impôts a provoqué la colère des citoyens.

The tax increase provoked the anger of the citizens.

Passé composé indicating cause and effect.

Le taux de chômage est en constante augmentation.

The unemployment rate is constantly increasing.

Phrase 'en augmentation' with an adjective.

Il a justifié sa demande d'augmentation par ses bons résultats.

He justified his request for a raise by his good results.

Use of 'demande de'.

Malgré la crise, l'entreprise a enregistré une augmentation de ses bénéfices.

Despite the crisis, the company recorded an increase in its profits.

Concession with 'malgré'.

Cette augmentation tarifaire entrera en vigueur le mois prochain.

This price increase will take effect next month.

Future tense and formal vocabulary.

L'augmentation fulgurante du prix de l'immobilier rend l'accès au logement difficile.

The meteoric rise in real estate prices makes access to housing difficult.

Complex subject phrase with a strong adjective.

Bien qu'il ait promis une augmentation, le directeur a gelé les salaires.

Although he promised a raise, the director froze salaries.

Subjunctive mood after 'bien que'.

Cette mesure vise à freiner l'augmentation de la dette publique.

This measure aims to curb the increase in public debt.

Infinitive construction 'viser à'.

L'augmentation de l'espérance de vie pose de nouveaux défis démographiques.

The increase in life expectancy poses new demographic challenges.

Abstract concept as a subject.

Il est impératif que nous obtenions une augmentation proportionnelle à l'inflation.

It is imperative that we get a raise proportional to inflation.

Subjunctive after 'il est impératif que'.

La forte augmentation des ventes en ligne a bouleversé le commerce traditionnel.

The strong increase in online sales has disrupted traditional commerce.

Passé composé with a complex object.

Nous assistons à une augmentation sans précédent des températures estivales.

We are witnessing an unprecedented increase in summer temperatures.

Formal verb 'assister à' and strong adjective phrase.

L'augmentation du capital a permis à la start-up de se développer à l'international.

The capital increase allowed the startup to expand internationally.

Financial terminology.

L'augmentation exponentielle des données numériques requiert des capacités de stockage accrues.

The exponential increase in digital data requires increased storage capacities.

Scientific/technical vocabulary.

Toute augmentation de la fiscalité risque d'entraver la relance économique.

Any tax increase risks hindering the economic recovery.

Use of 'toute' for generalization and formal verbs.

L'auteur souligne l'augmentation insidieuse des inégalités sociales dans les zones périurbaines.

The author highlights the insidious increase in social inequalities in peri-urban areas.

Literary/sociological analysis vocabulary.

La pérennité du système de retraite est menacée par l'augmentation du ratio de dépendance.

The sustainability of the pension system is threatened by the increase in the dependency ratio.

Advanced economic and demographic terms.

Il s'agit d'une augmentation conjoncturelle et non structurelle, selon les analystes.

It is a cyclical and not a structural increase, according to analysts.

Precise economic distinctions.

L'augmentation des taux directeurs par la banque centrale a eu l'effet escompté sur l'inflation.

The increase in key interest rates by the central bank had the expected effect on inflation.

Macroeconomic terminology.

Cette politique a pour corollaire une augmentation drastique des dépenses publiques.

This policy has as a corollary a drastic increase in public spending.

Formal logical connector 'avoir pour corollaire'.

L'augmentation de la prévalence de cette pathologie inquiète les autorités sanitaires.

The increase in the prevalence of this pathology worries health authorities.

Medical/epidemiological register.

L'augmentation vertigineuse des inégalités patrimoniales fragilise le pacte républicain.

The dizzying increase in wealth inequalities weakens the republican pact.

Highly abstract and socio-political discourse.

On ne saurait imputer cette crise à la seule augmentation des coûts des matières premières.

One cannot attribute this crisis solely to the increase in raw material costs.

Use of the conditional 'saurait' for nuanced negation.

L'augmentation de la cadence de production s'est faite au détriment de la qualité intrinsèque du produit.

The increase in the production rate was done to the detriment of the intrinsic quality of the product.

Complex prepositional phrase 'au détriment de'.

L'intellectuel fustige l'augmentation de la vacuité dans le discours politique contemporain.

The intellectual castigates the increase of emptiness in contemporary political discourse.

Literary vocabulary ('fustiger', 'vacuité').

Cette réforme subreptice a induit une augmentation latente de la charge fiscale pesant sur les ménages.

This surreptitious reform induced a latent increase in the tax burden weighing on households.

Highly precise adjectives ('subreptice', 'latente').

L'augmentation des tensions géopolitiques exacerbe la volatilité des marchés financiers.

The increase in geopolitical tensions exacerbates the volatility of financial markets.

Advanced geopolitical and financial terminology.

Il convient de pallier l'augmentation des risques psychosociaux inhérents à ces nouvelles méthodes de management.

It is advisable to mitigate the increase in psychosocial risks inherent in these new management methods.

Formal corporate and psychological register.

L'augmentation de la masse monétaire, si elle n'est pas jugulée, mènera inéluctablement à une hyperinflation.

The increase in the money supply, if not curbed, will inevitably lead to hyperinflation.

Complex conditional structure with advanced adverbs.

Synonyms

hausse accroissement progression développement grandissement

Antonyms

diminution baisse réduction

Common Collocations

une augmentation de salaire

une augmentation des prix

demander une augmentation

obtenir une augmentation

une forte augmentation

une légère augmentation

en augmentation

une augmentation significative

refuser une augmentation

l'augmentation du coût de la vie

Common Phrases

être en augmentation

— To be increasing or on the rise. Used to describe an ongoing upward trend.

Le chômage est en augmentation cette année.

demander une augmentation

— To ask for a raise. A standard phrase used in the workplace.

Je vais demander une augmentation à mon chef.

avoir une augmentation

— To get a raise. Used to state that one's salary has increased.

J'ai eu une belle augmentation ce mois-ci.

une augmentation de capital

— A capital increase. A financial term used when a company issues new shares.

L'entreprise a annoncé une augmentation de capital.

une augmentation mammaire

— Breast augmentation. A medical term for a specific type of plastic surgery.

Elle a subi une augmentation mammaire.

une augmentation des impôts

— A tax increase. A common political and economic complaint.

Le gouvernement prévoit une augmentation des impôts.

une augmentation tarifaire

— A price/fare increase. Often used by transport companies or service providers.

La SNCF annonce une augmentation tarifaire.

sans augmentation

— Without an increase. Used to indicate that a price or level remains the same.

Le contrat a été renouvelé sans augmentation de prix.

une augmentation sensible

— A noticeable or significant increase. Used when the change is clearly visible or felt.

Il y a une augmentation sensible de la température.

une augmentation constante

— A constant or steady increase. Used to describe continuous growth.

Nous observons une augmentation constante du trafic.

Often Confused With

augmentation vs une addition

In English, an addition can mean an increase. In French, 'une addition' is only a mathematical sum or the restaurant bill.

augmentation vs une élévation

Often used for physical height or spiritual lifting, whereas 'augmentation' is for quantities, amounts, and values.

augmentation vs une extension

Used for physical space (like extending a house or a deadline), not for prices or salaries.

Idioms & Expressions

"revoir à la hausse"

— To revise upwards. Often used when expectations, budgets, or prices are increased.

Les prévisions de croissance ont été revues à la hausse.

formal

"flamber (les prix)"

— To skyrocket (prices). Used when prices increase very rapidly and dramatically.

Les prix de l'immobilier flambent dans cette ville.

informal

"monter en flèche"

— To shoot up / skyrocket. Used for numbers or statistics that increase rapidly.

Les ventes ont monté en flèche pendant les fêtes.

neutral

"crever le plafond"

— To go through the roof. Used when an increase exceeds all expectations or limits.

Avec cette crise, les prix crèvent le plafond.

informal

"faire un bond"

— To make a leap. Used to describe a sudden, significant increase.

Le nombre d'abonnés a fait un bond spectaculaire.

neutral

"grimper en flèche"

— To climb steeply. Similar to 'monter en flèche', used for rapid increases.

Le taux d'inflation grimpe en flèche.

neutral

"aller crescendo"

— To increase gradually in intensity. Borrowed from music, used for tension or volume.

La tension entre les deux pays va crescendo.

formal

"prendre l'ascenseur"

— To take the elevator (meaning to go up quickly). Often used in contrast with 'prendre l'escalier' (to go down slowly) for prices.

Les prix de l'essence ont pris l'ascenseur.

informal

"gonfler les prix"

— To inflate prices artificially. Used when sellers increase prices unfairly.

Les commerçants ont gonflé les prix avant la saison touristique.

neutral

"exploser (les compteurs)"

— To explode (the meters). Used when records are broken due to a massive increase.

Le nouveau film a fait exploser les compteurs au box-office.

informal

Easily Confused

augmentation vs la hausse

Both mean increase and are often used interchangeably.

'Hausse' is often used for things that move up and down on a scale (prices, temperatures, stock market). 'Augmentation' is broader and includes volume, size, and salary raises.

La hausse des températures cause une augmentation du niveau de la mer.

augmentation vs le salaire

Learners often try to say 'un salaire plus grand' instead of using the correct term for a raise.

'Le salaire' is the salary itself. 'L'augmentation' is the raise. You don't say 'un grand salaire' to mean a raise.

Mon salaire est bas, je veux une augmentation.

augmentation vs augmenter

Noun vs. Verb confusion.

'Augmenter' is the verb (to increase). 'Augmentation' is the noun (the increase). You cannot say 'Je veux augmenter' to mean 'I want a raise'.

Les prix vont augmenter. C'est une grosse augmentation.

augmentation vs la croissance

Both relate to things getting bigger.

'Croissance' implies organic, natural, or long-term economic growth (like a plant or GDP). 'Augmentation' is a specific, measurable increase in a variable.

La croissance de l'enfant s'accompagne d'une augmentation de son appétit.

augmentation vs la prime

Both are extra money given by an employer.

'Une prime' is a one-time bonus. 'Une augmentation' is a permanent raise to your base salary.

J'ai reçu une prime de Noël, mais pas d'augmentation.

Sentence Patterns

Il y a une augmentation de [noun].

Il y a une augmentation de loyer.

Je voudrais une augmentation.

[Subject] est en augmentation.

Le chômage est en augmentation.

On observe une augmentation de [noun].

On observe une augmentation des ventes.

Malgré l'augmentation de [noun], [clause].

Malgré l'augmentation des prix, la demande reste forte.

Cette augmentation s'explique par [cause].

Cette augmentation s'explique par la crise.

L'augmentation [adjective] de [noun] entraîne [consequence].

L'augmentation exponentielle des données entraîne de nouveaux défis.

Il est impératif d'endiguer l'augmentation de [noun].

Il est impératif d'endiguer l'augmentation de la dette.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very frequent. Top 2000 most common words in French.

Common Mistakes

Il y a une augmentation dans les prix. → Il y a une augmentation des prix.
English speakers translate 'in' to 'dans'. In French, you must use 'de' (which contracts with 'les' to become 'des') to indicate what is increasing.
Je veux un augmentation. → Je veux une augmentation.
The word ends in '-tion', making it a feminine noun. You must use the feminine article 'une'.
Mon patron a fait une augmentation pour moi. → Mon patron m'a accordé une augmentation.
While 'faire' is used for many things, in a professional context, a boss 'accorde' (grants) or 'donne' (gives) a raise. You 'obtenez' (get) it.
C'est une grand augmentation. → C'est une grande augmentation.
Because the noun is feminine, any adjective modifying it must also be in the feminine form (adding an 'e' to 'grand').
L'augmentation de la population est très vite. → L'augmentation de la population est très rapide.
'Vite' is an adverb (quickly). To describe a noun like 'augmentation', you must use an adjective like 'rapide' (rapid/fast).

Tips

Always use 'de'

When connecting 'augmentation' to the thing that is increasing, always use 'de' (or du/des). Example: l'augmentation des impôts.

Master the nasal vowels

The word has two nasal vowels: 'en' and 'on'. Practice saying 'aug-mã-ta-sjõ' to sound like a native.

The ultimate workplace word

If you work in France, 'une augmentation' is the only word you need to know to ask for a salary raise.

Verbs to use

Pair it with 'demander' (to ask), 'obtenir' (to get), or 'refuser' (to refuse) when talking about raises.

Use 'en augmentation'

Instead of always using the verb 'augmenter', use the phrase 'être en augmentation' to sound more sophisticated.

Feminine ending

Remember the rule: words ending in '-tion' are feminine. Always write 'une belle augmentation'.

Mix it up with 'hausse'

To avoid repeating yourself in an essay, alternate between 'augmentation' and 'hausse' when discussing prices.

Not an 'addition'

Don't use 'addition' to mean increase. In French, an addition is just math or a restaurant bill.

Listen for the liaison

Train your ear to hear 'les z-augmentations' or 'un n-augmentation' in fast spoken French.

A national pastime

Complaining about 'l'augmentation du coût de la vie' is a great way to bond with French people.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine an OGRE (aug-) who is MENacing (-men-) because he wants a TASTY (-ta-) SHUN (-tion) of his food to INCREASE. Or simply think: 'To AUGMENT your pay, ask for an AUGMENTATION.'

Visual Association

Visualize a giant, glowing green upward arrow pointing towards a bag of money. The arrow is getting thicker and taller, physically 'augmenting' in front of you.

Word Web

augmentation salaire (salary) prix (prices) hausse (rise) demander (to ask) obtenir (to get) pourcentage (percentage) croissance (growth)

Challenge

Next time you look at a receipt or a price tag that seems expensive, say out loud: 'C'est une grande augmentation !' Try to use it three times today when noticing something getting bigger or more expensive.

Word Origin

The word 'augmentation' comes from the Old French 'augmentation', which itself is derived from the Late Latin word 'augmentatio' (meaning an increase or an adding to). The Latin root is the verb 'augmentare', which means 'to increase'. This verb is formed from 'augmentum' (an increase), which comes from 'augere' (to increase, to make grow). This Indo-European root is also the source of the English word 'augment'.

Original meaning: The original meaning was simply the act of making something larger or the state of being made larger, without the specific modern connotation of a salary raise.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > French

Cultural Context

Complaining about 'les augmentations' (price hikes) is a safe and common way to make small talk with strangers in France. However, asking someone directly 'As-tu eu une augmentation ?' (Did you get a raise?) can be considered intrusive unless you are close friends.

English speakers say 'I got a raise'. French speakers say 'J'ai eu une augmentation'. Do not try to translate 'raise' literally (e.g., 'une levée'), as it will not make sense in this context.

The song 'L'Augmentation' by various French artists often satirizes the corporate struggle for better pay. Georges Perec wrote a famous experimental play called 'L'Augmentation' (1968), which details the agonizing, flowchart-like mental process of an employee trying to ask their boss for a raise. News headlines constantly feature 'L'augmentation du SMIC' (The increase of the minimum wage), a major event in French socio-economics.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Work / Human Resources

demander une augmentation
l'entretien annuel
une augmentation de salaire
négocier son salaire

Watching the News / Economics

l'augmentation des prix
le taux d'inflation
le pouvoir d'achat
une augmentation des impôts

Shopping / Daily Life

le coût de la vie
tout augmente
une augmentation du loyer
le ticket de caisse

Science and Environment

l'augmentation de la température
le réchauffement climatique
en forte augmentation
le niveau de la mer

Statistics and Reports

enregistrer une augmentation
une augmentation de X pour cent
les données montrent
une augmentation constante

Conversation Starters

"As-tu remarqué l'augmentation des prix au supermarché récemment ? C'est incroyable !"

"Comment abordes-tu le sujet de l'augmentation de salaire avec ton patron ?"

"Penses-tu que l'augmentation du prix de l'essence va changer nos habitudes de voyage ?"

"Le gouvernement a annoncé une nouvelle augmentation des impôts, qu'en penses-tu ?"

"Face à l'augmentation du coût de la vie, quelles sont tes astuces pour faire des économies ?"

Journal Prompts

Racontez la dernière fois que vous avez demandé une augmentation. Comment vous sentiez-vous ?

Écrivez sur l'augmentation d'un phénomène dans votre ville (par exemple, le trafic, les touristes) et ses conséquences.

Si vous étiez le patron, quels critères utiliseriez-vous pour accorder une augmentation à un employé ?

L'augmentation de l'utilisation des smartphones a-t-elle amélioré ou détérioré nos vies ? Expliquez.

Décrivez comment l'augmentation du coût de la vie affecte les jeunes de votre génération.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is feminine. Almost all French words ending in '-tion' are feminine. Therefore, you must use 'une', 'la', or 'cette' before it, and any adjectives modifying it must be in the feminine form (e.g., une grande augmentation).

The most natural and polite way to say this is 'Je voudrais demander une augmentation' (I would like to ask for a raise) or simply 'Je voudrais une augmentation'. In a professional context, you don't always need to add 'de salaire'.

No, this is a very common mistake. In French, you must use the preposition 'de' (or its contractions 'du', 'des'). You say 'une augmentation des prix' (an increase in prices), never 'une augmentation dans les prix'.

They are very similar and often interchangeable when talking about prices or rates. However, 'hausse' specifically implies an upward movement on a scale (like a thermometer or stock chart), while 'augmentation' is a broader term for making anything larger or greater.

It is pronounced 'see-ohn' with a nasal 'o' sound at the end. Do not pronounce it like the English 'shun'. The 't' sounds like an 's'.

The most direct opposites are 'la diminution' (decrease) or 'la baisse' (drop/fall). If you are talking about prices, 'la baisse' is the most common antonym.

Yes, but it is less common than using it for numbers or values. For physical size, words like 'agrandissement' (enlargement) are often preferred, though 'l'augmentation du volume' (increase in volume) is perfectly correct.

It is an adjectival phrase that means 'increasing' or 'on the rise'. For example, 'Les ventes sont en augmentation' means 'Sales are increasing'. It is a very natural way to describe a trend.

Yes, this is called a liaison. Because 'augmentation' starts with a vowel, the 'n' from 'une' connects to it. It sounds like 'u-naugmentation'. This makes the speech flow smoothly.

Yes, it is used to describe increases in biological markers, such as 'une augmentation de la tension' (an increase in blood pressure) or 'une augmentation des globules blancs' (an increase in white blood cells).