Examples
I prezzi delle case continuano ad aumentare.
House prices continue to increase.
Dobbiamo aumentare la produzione.
We need to increase production.
Common Collocations
Often Confused With
Reflexive form, implies increasing oneself, rather than an external increase.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Aumentare can be used both transitively (requiring a direct object) and intransitively (not requiring a direct object). When used intransitively, it typically takes the auxiliary verb 'essere' (to be) in compound tenses, especially when referring to an increase in quantity or size that is a change of state (e.g., 'Il prezzo è aumentato'). When used transitively, it takes 'avere' (to have) as its auxiliary verb (e.g., 'Ho aumentato la velocità'). It is a very common verb in Italian, used in a wide range of contexts from finance and economics to personal growth and physical changes. It can also be used reflexively, 'aumentarsi', meaning to increase oneself or one's own capabilities, though this usage is less common than the transitive and intransitive forms. Pay attention to the context to determine the appropriate auxiliary verb in compound tenses.
Sometimes confused with 'salire' (to go up, to climb), but 'aumentare' specifically refers to an increase in quantity or size, while 'salire' can also refer to physical movement upwards.
Tips
Usage Note
Can be used transitively (e.g., 'aumentare i prezzi') or intransitively (e.g., 'i prezzi sono aumentati').
Common Mistake
Confusing 'aumentare' (to increase) with 'alzare' (to raise, lift). While sometimes interchangeable, 'alzare' often implies a vertical movement.
Related Terms
aumento (noun, increase), aumentabile (adjective, increasable)
Word Origin
From Late Latin 'augmentāre', from Latin 'augmentum' (an increase), from 'augēre' (to increase).
Memory Tip
Think of 'augment' in English, which means to make something greater.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsThe Italian word for 'to become greater in size or amount' is 'aumentare'. It's a versatile verb used in various contexts to express growth, increase, or enhancement.
In the present tense, 'aumentare' is conjugated as follows: io aumento, tu aumenti, lui/lei aumenta, noi aumentiamo, voi aumentate, loro aumentano. This conjugation pattern is typical for regular -are verbs in Italian.
Certainly! An example sentence using 'aumentare' is: 'I prezzi dei beni di prima necessità continuano ad aumentare.' (The prices of essential goods continue to increase.) This illustrates its use in discussing rising costs.
Yes, common synonyms for 'aumentare' include 'incrementare' (to increment), 'ingrandire' (to enlarge), and 'accrescere' (to grow, to augment). Antonyms include 'diminuire' (to decrease), 'ridurre' (to reduce), and 'calare' (to drop, to fall).
Test Yourself
Il numero di studenti è destinato ad __________ il prossimo anno.
Dobbiamo __________ la produzione per soddisfare la domanda.
Il governo ha deciso di __________ le tasse.
Score: /3
Usage Note
Can be used transitively (e.g., 'aumentare i prezzi') or intransitively (e.g., 'i prezzi sono aumentati').
Common Mistake
Confusing 'aumentare' (to increase) with 'alzare' (to raise, lift). While sometimes interchangeable, 'alzare' often implies a vertical movement.
Related Terms
aumento (noun, increase), aumentabile (adjective, increasable)
Examples
2 of 2I prezzi delle case continuano ad aumentare.
House prices continue to increase.
Dobbiamo aumentare la produzione.
We need to increase production.
Related Content
More general words
abbagliare
C1To dazzle or blind with light or beauty
abbaglio
C1A serious mistake or misconception.
abbreviare
B1To make something shorter.
abnegazione
C1Self-sacrifice or renunciation of one's own interests
accadere
B1To happen or occur.
accadimento
B2An event, occurrence, or happening.
accaduto
B1What happened or the event that occurred.
accanito
C1Fierce, persistent, or relentless in pursuit
accantonare
C1To put aside for future use or discard.
accattivante
C1witty, charming, or attractive.
