-
Add
Addition (often signified by the plus symbol “+”) is one of the four basic operations of arithmetic; the others are subtraction, multiplication and division. The addition of two whole numbers is the total amount of those values combined. For example, in the adjacent picture, there is a combination of three apples and two apples together, making a total of five apples. This observation is equivalent to the mathematical expression “3 + 2 = 5” i.e., “3 add 2 is equal to 5”.
Besides counting items, addition can also be defined on other types of numbers, such as integers, real numbers and complex numbers. This is part of arithmetic, a branch of mathematics. In algebra, another area of mathematics, addition can be performed on abstract objects such as vectors and matrices.
Addition has several important properties. It is commutative, meaning that order does not matter, and it is associative, meaning that when one adds more than two numbers, the order in which addition is performed does not matter (see Summation). Repeated addition of 1 is the same as counting; addition of 0 does not change a number. Addition also obeys predictable rules concerning related operations such as subtraction and multiplication.
Performing addition is one of the simplest numerical tasks. Addition of very small numbers is accessible to toddlers; the most basic task, 1 + 1, can be performed by infants as young as five months and even some members of other animal species. In primary education, students are taught to add numbers in the decimal system, starting with single digits and progressively tackling more difficult problems. Mechanical aids range from the ancient abacus to the modern computer, where research on the most efficient implementations of addition continues to this day.
-
Add (verb)
To join or unite (e.g. one thing to another, or as several particulars) so as to increase the number, augment the quantity{{,}} or enlarge the magnitude, or so as to form into one aggregate.
-
Add (verb)
To sum up; to put together mentally.
“to add numbers”
-
Add (verb)
To combine elements of (something) into one quantity.
“to add a column of numbers”
-
Add (verb)
To give by way of increased possession (to someone); to bestow (on).
-
Add (verb)
To append (e,g, a statement); to say further information.
-
Add (verb)
To make an addition; to augment; to increase.
“It adds to our anxiety.”
-
Add (verb)
To perform the arithmetical operation of addition.
“He adds rapidly.”
-
Add (noun)
An act or instance of adding.
-
Add (noun)
An additional enemy that joined the fight after the primary target.
“After engaging the boss for one minute, two adds will arrive from the back and must be dealt with.”
-
Add (verb)
join (something) to something else so as to increase the size, number, or amount
“a new wing was added to the building”
“some box offices now add on a convenience charge”
-
Add (verb)
put in (an additional element, ingredient, etc.)
“chlorine is added to the water to kill bacteria”
-
Add (verb)
contribute (an enhancing quality) to something
“the suite will add a touch of class to your bedroom”
-
Add (verb)
put together (two or more numbers or amounts) to calculate their total value
“add the two numbers together”
“they added all the figures up”
-
Add (verb)
say as a further remark
“we would like to add our congratulations”
“‘I hope we haven’t been too much trouble,’ she added politely”