subtract

Definitions

sub- (from under) + tract (pull) = 'pull out from under.' To subtract is to draw an amount out from underneath a total, leaving less behind. The opposite of add, which piles on top.

Common Collocations

• 1.subtract from从……中减去
• 2.add and subtract加减
• 3.subtract a number减去一个数

Example Sentences

• 1.

  Subtract 15 from 40 and you get 25.

• 2.

  Remember to subtract your expenses from your income.

Easily Confused

subtract vs deduct — both 'take away,' but subtract is the neutral arithmetic word (subtract 5 from 12). deduct is for amounts removed from money or scores: deduct tax, deduct points. You subtract numbers; you deduct costs.