verb
Uncommon
augment
awg-MEHNT
Augment (verb) means to make something larger or stronger by adding to it. Example: “She took a second job to augment her income.”
verb
1
To make something larger or stronger by adding to it.
"She took a second job to augment her income."
"The army augmented its defenses ahead of the expected attack."
"The money from renting out a spare room can augment a salary."
How to use augment
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo add to something in order to make it bigger, stronger, or more complete.
Common mistake
Don't confuse augment (to increase) with argument (a disagreement) — they look similar but are unrelated.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
augment income
augment forces
augmented reality
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Word forms
- Plural
- augments
- Third person singular
- augments
- Past tense
- augmented
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She took a second job to _____ her income.
Etymology
From Latin augere, "to increase," via Old French augmenter.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “augment” mean?
The word “augment” means to make something larger or stronger by adding to it. In plain terms, to add to something in order to make it bigger, stronger, or more complete.
How do you pronounce “augment”?
“Augment” is pronounced awg-MEHNT (/ɔɡˈmɛnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “augment” in a sentence?
Here is “augment” used in a sentence: “She took a second job to augment her income.”
What is another word for “augment”?
Words with a similar meaning to “augment” include add, amplify, dilate, eke / eke out, elevate and embiggen.
What is the opposite of “augment”?
The opposite of “augment” — its antonyms — are contract, dial back and diminish.
What part of speech is “augment”?
“Augment” is a verb.
Where does the word “augment” come from?
The word “augment” comes from Latin. From Latin augere, "to increase," via Old French augmenter.
Is “augment” a common word?
“Augment” is an uncommon word in modern English.
