Definition of subtract
transitive verb
: to take away by or as if by deducting subtract 5 from 9 subtract funds from the project
intransitive verb
: to perform a subtraction
subtracter
nounRead the Latest from M-W
Examples of subtract in a sentence
if you subtract 10 from 23, you get 13
you can subtract the time you spent daydreaming from your total homework time
Origin and Etymology of subtract
Latin subtractus, past participle of subtrahere to draw from beneath, withdraw, from sub- + trahere to draw
First Known Use: 1557
SUBTRACT Defined for English Language Learners
subtract
playDefinition of subtract for English Language Learners
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: to take (a number or amount) from another number or amount
SUBTRACT Defined for Kids
Word Root of subtract
The Latin word tractus, meaning “pulled” or “dragged,” gives us the root tract. Words from the Latin tractus have to do with being pulled or dragged. To attract is to pull or draw towards you. To distract is to pull someone's attention away from something. To extract is to pull one thing out of another. To subtract is to pull a portion or number away from a group or from a whole.
Learn More about subtract
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See words that rhyme with subtract Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for subtract Spanish Central: Translation of subtract Nglish: Translation of subtract for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of subtract for Arabic speakers
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