decreasing
UK[dɪˈkriːsɪŋ]US[dɪˈkriːsɪŋ]
adj
Becoming less or smaller in number, amount, or degree.
n
The action or process of becoming less or smaller.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
creas
ing
de
down, away
creas
grow
ing
adjective/gerund suffix
Etymology
The word 'decreasing' narrates a story of reversal through its Latin-derived components. Its core, from 'crescere' (to grow), is prefixed with 'de-', which here signifies a downward or reversing action, literally creating the sense of "ungrowing." The addition of the English participial suffix '-ing' transforms this verb stem into an adjective or noun describing the ongoing state or process of reduction. Thus, the modern abstract meaning of a gradual lessening is a direct and logical construction from its morphemic parts: moving away from growth.
Analysis
Structure: de (down, away) + creas (grow) + ing (adjective/gerund suffix)
- de: A Latin prefix meaning "down from, off, away, completely," often indicating reversal or removal.
- creas: A morpheme derived from the Latin verb 'crescere', meaning "to grow, arise, become larger."
- ing: An Old English suffix used to form present participles (functioning as adjectives) and gerunds (functioning as nouns).
Examples
The company reported decreasing profits for the third consecutive quarter.
There has been a decreasing number of students enrolling in the humanities.
The graph shows a steadily decreasing line, indicating a drop in temperature over time.