Increase vs. Improve: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 7, 2023
Difference Between Increase and Improve
Increase and improve are both verbs that imply positive change, yet they represent different types of growth or enhancement. The term "increase" is predominantly associated with numerical or size growth. For example, if a business talks about increasing sales, it refers to a higher number of sales in comparison to a previous period. On the other hand, improve would suggest making something better in terms of quality. If the same business speaks of improving its products, it points towards enhancing the quality or functionality of those products, irrespective of the number of units sold.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
Increase often implies a progression in terms of count, magnitude, or extent. It's not always about numbers, though. You might increase your physical strength, your understanding of a topic, or your collection of antique stamps. But in each case, you're adding to a current total. Conversely, improve focuses on elevating the standard, quality, or performance of something. You might improve your skills, your health, or the performance of a machine. Here, the emphasis is on bettering the current state, not just adding to it.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
In some contexts, it's possible for something to increase but not improve. For example, a city's population can increase, leading to more crowded streets and less available housing. The sheer number of people has gone up, but the living conditions might not necessarily have improved. Similarly, it's conceivable for something to improve without an increase. A student might improve their study habits and thus get better grades without necessarily studying for more hours.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
In a nutshell, increase and improve can sometimes work together or be at odds. While both indicate a forward movement, the former is more about quantity and the latter about quality. Recognizing the nuance between the two can provide clarity in both communication and intention.
Olivia
Sep 07, 2023
Increase vs. Improve Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
Growth in quantity or size
Enhancement in quality or condition
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Sep 07, 2023
Example Context
Raising the number of items
Bettering the functionality or efficiency of an item
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
Increase vs. Improve Definitions
◉Increase
An augmentation in size or extent.
The sweater will show an increase if you wash it in hot water.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
◉Improve
To make better in quality or performance.
She took classes to improve her dancing.
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Sep 07, 2023
◉Increase
An enhancement in number or quantity.
There has been an increase in the number of students attending the school.
Elijah
Sep 07, 2023
◉Improve
To augment in value or excellence.
Regular maintenance will improve the longevity of your car.
Jonathan
Sep 07, 2023
◉Increase
A multiplication or addition to the original.
The city saw an increase in the number of tourists.
Lucas
Sep 07, 2023
◉Improve
To grow or progress in a positive direction.
His health began to improve after the treatment.
Lucas
Sep 07, 2023
◉Improve
To refine or perfect over time.
She continued to improve her skills with practice.
Lucas
Sep 07, 2023
◉Improve
To raise to a more desirable or more excellent quality or condition; make better
Exercise can improve your health.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Improve
To increase the productivity or value of (land or property)
improved the house by adding a bathroom.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Increase
The amount or rate by which something is increased
a tax increase of 15 percent.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Improve
To make beneficial additions or changes
You can improve on the translation of that text.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Improve
(transitive) To make (something) better; to increase the value or productivity (of something).
Painting the woodwork will improve this house.
Buying more servers would improve performance.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Increase
(intransitive) (of a quantity, etc.) To become larger or greater.
His rage only increased when I told him of the lost money.
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May 03, 2023
◉Improve
(intransitive) To become better.
I have improved since taking the tablets.
The error messages have improved since the last version, when they were incomprehensible.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Increase
To multiply by the production of young; to be fertile, fruitful, or prolific.
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May 03, 2023
◉Improve
(obsolete) To disapprove of; to find fault with; to reprove; to censure.
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May 03, 2023
◉Increase
To become more nearly full; to show more of the surface; to wax.
The Moon increases.
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May 03, 2023
◉Improve
(dated) To use or employ to good purpose; to turn to profitable account.
to improve one's time;
to improve his means
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May 03, 2023
◉Improve
To disprove or make void; to refute.
Neither can any of them make so strong a reason which another can not improve.
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May 03, 2023
◉Improve
To disapprove; to find fault with; to reprove; to censure; as, to improve negligence.
When he rehearsed his preachings and his doing unto the high apostles, they could improve nothing.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Improve
To make better; to increase the value or good qualities of; to ameliorate by care or cultivation; as, to improve land.
I love not to improve the honor of the living by impairing that of the dead.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Increase
(knitting) The creation of one or more new stitches; see Increase (knitting).
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May 03, 2023
◉Improve
To use or employ to good purpose; to make productive; to turn to profitable account; to utilize; as, to improve one's time; to improve his means.
We shall especially honor God by improving diligently the talents which God hath committed to us.
A hint that I do not remember to have seen opened and improved.
The court seldom fails to improve the opportunity.
How doth the little busy beeImprove each shining hour.
Those moments were diligently improved.
True policy, as well as good faith, in my opinion, binds us to improve the occasion.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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!
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Improve
To advance or increase by use; to augment or add to; - said with reference to what is bad.
We all have, I fear, . . . not a little improved the wretched inheritance of our ancestors.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
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May 03, 2023
◉Improve
To grow better; to advance or make progress in what is desirable; to make or show improvement; as, to improve in health.
We take care to improve in our frugality and diligence.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Increase
To become more nearly full; to show more of the surface; to wax; as, the moon increases.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Improve
To increase; to be enhanced; to rise in value; as, the price of cotton improves.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Improve
to make better;
The editor improved the manuscript with his changes
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May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Increase
Progeny; issue; offspring.
All the increase of thy house shall die in the flower of their age.
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May 03, 2023
◉Improve
To advance or develop beyond a previous state.
The weather is expected to improve by afternoon.
Levi
Sep 07, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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
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May 03, 2023
◉Increase
a change resulting in an increase;
the increase is scheduled for next month
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May 03, 2023
◉Increase
a process of becoming larger or longer or more numerous or more important;
the increase in unemployment
the growth of population
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May 03, 2023
◉Increase
the amount by which something increases;
they proposed an increase of 15 percent in the fare
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Increase
make bigger or more;
The boss finally increased her salary
The university increased the number of students it admitted
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Increase
A rise in amount or value.
The company reported an increase in profits.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
◉Increase
A growth in intensity or degree.
There was an increase in the volume of the music.
Leo
Sep 07, 2023
Increase vs. Improve Frequently Asked Questions
Can something increase without improving?
Yes, something can grow in quantity or size without necessarily getting better in quality.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
Can improve ever refer to numbers?
While it's less common, improve can relate to numbers when discussing enhanced performance metrics or efficiencies.
Henry
Sep 07, 2023
Is it possible for something to improve without increasing?
Yes, quality or condition can get better without a rise in quantity or size.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
Is an increase always a positive change?
No, an increase can be negative in certain contexts, such as an increase in pollution or crime.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
Can you give an example where increase and improve work together?
Yes, a company might see an increase in sales due to improving the quality of its product.
Levi
Sep 07, 2023
If a company is producing more units, is it increasing or improving?
It is increasing. If the quality of those units is getting better, then it is also improving.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
What is the primary distinction between increase and improve?
Increase focuses on growth in quantity or size, while improve emphasizes enhancing quality or condition.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
Which word would best fit: "He wants to ___ his chances of success"?
Improve. "He wants to improve his chances of success."
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
Which term is more about numbers?
Increase is generally more associated with numbers and quantity.
Jonathan
Sep 07, 2023
Does improve always indicate a positive shift?
Improve usually indicates a positive shift in quality, condition, or performance.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
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Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
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Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
