to unite or join so as to increase the number, quantity, size, or importance: to add two cups of sugar; to add a postscript to her letter; to add insult to injury.
to find the sum of (often followed by up): Add this column of figures. Add up the grocery bills.
to say or write further.
to include (usually followed by in): Don't forget to add in the tip.
verb (used without object)
to perform the arithmetic operation of addition: children learning to add and subtract.
to be or serve as an addition (usually followed by to): His illness added to the family's troubles.
noun
Journalism. copy added to a completed story.
Verb Phrases
add up to,to signify; indicate: The evidence adds up to a case of murder.
Idioms for add
add up,
to make the desired, expected, or correct total: These figures don't add up right.
to seem reasonable or consistent; be in harmony or accord: Some aspects of the story didn't add up.
Origin of add
1325–75; Middle English adden<Latin addere, equivalent to ad-ad- + -dere to put (combining form; see do1)
SYNONYMS FOR add
1 affix, append, attach, adjoin.
2 total, sum.
SEE SYNONYMS FOR add ON THESAURUS.COM
OTHER WORDS FROM add
add·a·ble,add·i·ble,adjectiveadd·ed·ly,adverbmis·add,verbre·add,verb (used with object)
Her new comments will only add to ongoing speculation that the Yorks plan, one day, to remarry.
Fergie Dives Into Prince Andrew’s Sex Scandal|Tom Sykes|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The economy has begun to add jobs, but the quality of those jobs is an increasing concern.
Christie Blames Parents for Bad Economy|Monica Potts|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
When nearly done, add some pieces of butter rolled in flour.
Miss Leslie's Lady's New Receipt-Book|Eliza Leslie
Twice we had been in a position to add the third and final victory, and twice the Bellevue quintet had dashed our hopes.
Fore!|Charles Emmett Van Loan
Simmer for five minutes, then add two pounds of shelled peas, six small raw French carrots and one dozen raw fresh asparagus tips.
The Hotel St. Francis Cook Book|Victor Hirtzler
The remains of man, too, add to the earthy coating that covers the face of the globe.
Man and Nature|George P. Marsh
Then add four tomatoes peeled and chopped; one-half tablespoonful salt; a few grains cayenne and one-fourth teaspoonful paprika.
Stevenson Memorial Cook Book|Various
British Dictionary definitions for add (1 of 2)
add
/ (æd) /
verb
to combine (two or more numbers or quantities) by addition
(tr foll by to) to increase (a number or quantity) by another number or quantity using addition
(tr often foll by to) to join (something) to something else in order to increase the size, quantity, effect, or scope; unite (with)to add insult to injury
(intr foll by to) to have an extra and increased effect (on)her illness added to his worries
(tr)to say or write further
(tr foll by in) to include
noun
informalan instance of adding someone to one's list of contacts on a social networking site, esp MySpaceThanks for the add!
See also add up
Word Origin for add
C14: from Latin addere, literally: to put to, from ad- to + -dere to put