Dictionary.com

augment

[ verb awg-ment; noun awg-ment ]
/ verb ɔgˈmɛnt; noun ˈɔg mɛnt /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: augment / augmented / augmenting on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object)
to make larger; enlarge in size, number, strength, or extent; increase: His salary is augmented by a small inheritance.
Music.
  1. to raise (the upper note of an interval or chord) by a half step.
  2. to double the note values of (a theme): In the fugue's development the subject is augmented.
Grammar. to add an augment to.
Heraldry. to grant an augmentation to (a coat of arms).
verb (used without object)
to become larger.
noun
Grammar. a prefixed vowel or a lengthening of the initial vowel that characterizes certain forms in the nonpresent inflection of verbs in Greek, Sanskrit, Armenian, and Phrygian.
QUIZ
QUIZ YOURSELF ON “ITS” VS. “IT’S”!
Apostrophes can be tricky; prove you know the difference between "it’s" and "its" in this crafty quiz!
Question 1 of 8
On the farm, the feed for chicks is significantly different from the roosters’; ______ not even comparable.
it's
its
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of augment

First recorded in 1375–1475; late Middle English au(g)menten, from Anglo-French, Middle French au(g)menter, from Late Latin augmentāre “to increase,” derivative of augmentum “an increase,” from aug(ēre) “to increase” (akin to eke1) + -mentum -ment)

OTHER WORDS FROM augment

aug·ment·a·ble, adjectiveun·aug·ment·a·ble, adjectiveun·aug·ment·ed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

Words related to augment

add to, amplify, boost, build up, develop, enhance, enlarge, expand, heighten, inflate, intensify, multiply, reinforce, strengthen, aggrandize, build, compound, extend, grow, increase

How to use augment in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for augment

augment
verb (ɔːɡˈmɛnt)
to make or become greater in number, amount, strength, etc; increase
(tr) music to increase (a major or perfect interval) by a semitoneCompare diminish (def. 3)
(tr) (in Greek and Sanskrit grammar) to prefix a vowel or diphthong to (a verb) to form a past tense
noun (ˈɔːɡmɛnt)
(in Greek and Sanskrit grammar) a vowel or diphthong prefixed to a verb to form a past tense

Derived forms of augment

augmentable, adjectiveaugmentor or augmenter, noun

Word Origin for augment

C15: from Late Latin augmentāre to increase, from augmentum growth, from Latin augēre to increase
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK