What does "augment" mean?
A grammatical prefix; In some languages, a prefix *é- (अ- (a-) in Sanskrit, ἐ- (e-) in Greek) indicating a past tense of a verb.
Augment
/ɔɡˈmɛnt/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A grammatical prefix; In some languages, a prefix *é- (अ- (a-) in Sanskrit, ἐ- (e-) in Greek) indicating a past tense of a verb.
- Grammar: augment is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: enhance, enlarge, increase, raise.
- Useful contrasts: dwindling budget, impoverished, the impoverished.
- Usage evidence: And so, knowledge from the past, mixed up with assumptions about that knowledge, which may be more or less appropriate, is used to augment information provided by the senses.
How to use "augment"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "augment" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "augment" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "augment" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "augment" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "augment" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "enhance" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "augment", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A grammatical prefix; In some languages, a prefix *é- (अ- (a-) in Sanskrit, ἐ- (e-) in Greek) indicating a past tense of a verb.
"The augment is found in Greek, Indo-Iranian, Armenian and Phrygian."
- 2 A grammatical prefix; Especially Old Irish, a preverb, usually ro-, used to give a verb a resultative or potential meaning.
"Fundamentally the augment characterizes a verbal action viewed from a non-contemporary standpoint, either the moment of speaking (or writing) or a further verbal action."
- 3 A grammatical prefix; In some languages, an additional vowel prepended to the noun prefix.
- 4 An increase.
Verb
- 1 To increase; to make larger or supplement. transitive
"The money from renting out a spare room can augment a salary."
- 2 enlarge or increase wordnet
- 3 To grow; to increase; to become greater. intransitive, reflexive
- 4 grow or intensify wordnet
- 5 To slow the tempo or meter, e.g. for a dramatic or stately passage.
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 To increase an interval, especially the largest interval in a triad, by a half step (chromatic semitone).
- 7 To add an augment to. transitive
Antonyms
Example
"And so, knowledge from the past, mixed up with assumptions about that knowledge, which may be more or less appropriate, is used to augment information provided by the senses."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "augment"?
Common synonyms include: enhance, enlarge, increase, raise, abundance increase, accession.
How do you use "augment" in a sentence?
And so, knowledge from the past, mixed up with assumptions about that knowledge, which may be more or less appropriate, is used to augment information provided by the senses.
How do you pronounce "augment"?
Pronounced /ɔɡˈmɛnt/.
Etymology
From Middle English augmenten, from Middle French augmenter, from Old French augmenter, from Late Latin augmentare (“to increase”), from Latin augmentum (“an increase, growth”), from augere (“to increase”).