Definition of augment
transitive verb
1 : to make greater, more numerous, larger, or more intense The impact of the report was augmented by its timing.
2 : supplement She took a second job to augment her income.
3 grammar : to add an augment to (a verb form) (see 2augment)
intransitive verb
: to become augmented
People Are Reading
Examples of augment in a Sentence
… a former member of Brunet's team, Jean-Renaud Boisserie of Berkeley, is in the Middle Awash seeking to augment the animal fossil record—particularly that of hippopotamuses. —Rex Dalton, Nature, 5 Jan. 2006
These reserve units will soon be augmented by full-time Maritime Safety and Security Teams. The first of these teams was formed on July 3; a dozen more are supposed to be created within the next three years. —David Helvarg, Popular Science, September 2002
The sale of its shares in such companies has helped augment its cash reserves from $1.7 billion to $2 billion. Call it a rainy-day fund—something that other dot-coms never had. But the move also suggests that even Yahoo has lost faith in the once boundless promise of Internet companies. —Brad Stone, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2001
The money augmented his fortune.
Heavy rains augmented the water supply.
Origin and Etymology of augment
Middle English, from Anglo-French augmenter, from Late Latin augmentare, from Latin augmentum increase, from augēre to increase — more at eke
Synonym Discussion of augment
Origin and Etymology of augment
see 1augment
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
AUGMENT Defined for English Language Learners
augment
playDefinition of augment for English Language Learners
-
: to increase the size or amount of (something)
-
: to add something to (something) in order to improve or complete it
AUGMENT Defined for Kids
augment
playDefinition of augment for Students
augmented
;augmenting
: to increase in size, amount, or degree He works a second job to augment his income.
Medical Dictionary
Learn More about augment
-
See words that rhyme with augment Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for augment Spanish Central: Translation of augment Nglish: Translation of augment for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of augment for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up augment? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!