Increase vs. Increment: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 2, 2023
Increase refers to a general growth or rise, while increment signifies a specific, often fixed, addition or step-up in value.
Key Differences
Increase is a term used to describe a general growth or rise in value, quantity, or extent. On the other hand, increment specifically refers to a particular or fixed addition, often in regular, predetermined amounts.
When one mentions an increase, it doesn't necessarily specify by how much or in what regularity. Increment, however, often implies a standard or specific addition, sometimes at regular intervals, like a yearly increment in salary.
The word increase can be used both as a noun and a verb, denoting the act or state of growing. Increment is predominantly used as a noun, signifying the actual amount by which something grows or is added.
While increases can be variable, either large or small, increments are typically consistent, predetermined additions. For example, a business might see an increase in profits each year, but an employee might receive an annual salary increment of 5%.
In many contexts, increase serves as a broader term encompassing any rise in value or quantity. Increment is more precise, often used in technical, financial, or mathematical scenarios to indicate fixed or specific increases.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A growth or rise in value, quantity, or extent.
A specific, often fixed, addition or step-up.
Usage
Both as a noun and verb.
Predominantly as a noun.
Regularity
Can be variable.
Often consistent or predetermined.
Scope
Broader, any rise in value or quantity.
More precise, fixed or specific increases.
Typical Contexts
General growth scenarios.
Technical, financial, or mathematical scenarios.
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Increase and Increment Definitions
Increase
A rise in quantity or magnitude.
The increase in demand led to higher prices.
Increment
A consistent growth amount.
The software updates in small increments.
Increase
An augmentation in value or number.
The company noticed a sudden increase in sales.
Increment
A predetermined augmentation.
The contract has a provision for yearly increments.
Increase
Growth in intensity or extent.
The increase in temperature made it uncomfortable.
Increment
A fixed step-up in quantity.
The machine measures in increments of one gram.
Increase
A surge in size or volume.
The increase in water level alarmed the residents.
Increment
The process of increasing in number, size, quantity, or extent.
Increase
To become greater or larger.
Increment
Something added or gained
A force swelled by increments from allied armies.
Increase
To multiply; reproduce.
Increment
A slight, often barely perceptible augmentation.
Increase
To make greater or larger.
Increment
One of a series of regular additions or contributions
Accumulating a fund by increments.
Increase
The act of increasing
A steady increase in temperature.
Increment
(Mathematics) A small positive or negative change in the value of a variable.
Increase
The amount or rate by which something is increased
A tax increase of 15 percent.
Increment
The action of increasing or becoming greater.
Increase
(Obsolete) Reproduction and spread; propagation.
Increment
(heraldry) The waxing of the moon.
Increase
(intransitive) (of a quantity, etc.) To become larger or greater.
His rage only increased when I told him of the lost money.
Increment
The amount of increase.
Increase
(transitive) To make (a quantity, etc.) larger.
Increment
(rhetoric) An amplification without strict climax, as in the following passage: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, {{...}} think on these things."
Increase
To multiply by the production of young; to be fertile, fruitful, or prolific.
Increment
(chess) The amount of time added to a player's clock after each move.
Increase
To become more nearly full; to show more of the surface; to wax.
The Moon increases.
Increment
(grammar) A syllable in excess of the number of the nominative singular or the second-person singular present indicative.
Increase
An amount by which a quantity is increased.
Increment
To increase by steps or by a step, especially by one.
Increase
For a quantity, the act or process of becoming larger
Increment
The act or process of increasing; growth in bulk, guantity, number, value, or amount; augmentation; enlargement.
The seminary that furnisheth matter for the formation and increment of animal and vegetable bodies.
A nation, to be great, ought to be compressed in its increment by nations more civilized than itself.
Increase
Offspring, progeny
Increment
Matter added; increase; produce; production; - opposed to decrement.
Increase
(knitting) The creation of one or more new stitches; see Increase (knitting).
Increment
The increase of a variable quantity or fraction from its present value to its next ascending value; the finite quantity, generally variable, by which a variable quantity is increased.
Increase
To become greater or more in size, quantity, number, degree, value, intensity, power, authority, reputation, wealth; to grow; to augment; to advance; - opposed to decrease.
The waters increased and bare up the ark.
He must increase, but I must decrease.
The heavens forbidBut that our loves and comforts should increase,Even as our days do grow!
Increment
An amplification without strict climax, as in the following passage:
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, . . . think on these things.
Increase
To multiply by the production of young; to be fertile, fruitful, or prolific.
Fishes are more numerous or increasing than beasts or birds, as appears by their numerous spawn.
Increment
A process of becoming larger or longer or more numerous or more important;
The increase in unemployment
The growth of population
Increase
To become more nearly full; to show more of the surface; to wax; as, the moon increases.
Increment
The amount by which something increases;
They proposed an increase of 15 percent in the fare
Increase
To augment or make greater in bulk, quantity, extent, value, or amount, etc.; to add to; to extend; to lengthen; to enhance; to aggravate; as, to increase one's possessions, influence.
I will increase the famine.
Make denialsIncrease your services.
Increment
A specific addition or increase.
His annual salary increment was 5%.
Increase
Addition or enlargement in size, extent, quantity, number, intensity, value, substance, etc.; augmentation; growth.
As if increase of appetite had grownBy what it fed on.
For things of tender kind for pleasure madeShoot up with swift increase, and sudden are decay'd.
Increment
A regular addition in series.
Each increment in the sequence adds two units.
Increase
That which is added to the original stock by augmentation or growth; produce; profit; interest.
Take thou no usury of him, or increase.
Let them not live to taste this land's increase.
Increase
Progeny; issue; offspring.
All the increase of thy house shall die in the flower of their age.
Increase
Generation.
Increase
The period of increasing light, or luminous phase; the waxing; - said of the moon.
Seeds, hair, nails, hedges, and herbs will grow soonest if set or cut in the increase of the moon.
Increase
A quantity that is added;
There was an addition to property taxes this year
They recorded the cattle's gain in weight over a period of weeks
Increase
A change resulting in an increase;
The increase is scheduled for next month
Increase
A process of becoming larger or longer or more numerous or more important;
The increase in unemployment
The growth of population
Increase
The amount by which something increases;
They proposed an increase of 15 percent in the fare
Increase
The act of increasing something;
He gave me an increase in salary
Increase
Become bigger or greater in amount;
The amount of work increased
Increase
Make bigger or more;
The boss finally increased her salary
The university increased the number of students it admitted
Increase
Expansion or enlargement.
There was an increase in the area of the forest reserve.
FAQs
Can increase be used as a verb?
Yes, increase can be used both as a noun and a verb.
Is increment typically consistent?
Yes, increments often represent consistent or predetermined additions.
Which is broader, increase or increment?
Increase is broader, while increment is more specific.
Is increment the same as increase?
No, increment refers to a specific, often fixed, addition or step-up.
Is an increment always a positive addition?
Typically, yes, but context matters. In some cases, it might refer to a fixed reduction.
Is every increase an increment?
No, not every increase is a fixed or specific increment.
In what context is increment commonly used?
Increment is often used in technical, financial, or mathematical contexts.
Can an increment vary in value?
While it can vary, an increment often refers to a specific or fixed addition.
What does increase generally signify?
Increase signifies a general growth or rise in value, quantity, or extent.
Can an increase be random?
Yes, an increase can be random or based on various factors.
How is increment used in programming?
In programming, increment refers to increasing a variable's value, often by a fixed amount.
Can the terms increase and increment be used interchangeably?
While related, they aren't always interchangeable due to their specific nuances.
Do increments always occur at regular intervals?
Often, but not always. It depends on the context.
Can something increase without a set increment?
Yes, something can increase without following a specific increment.
How does a salary increment work?
A salary increment is a fixed percentage or amount added to an employee's pay, often annually.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
