add more to what you already have

augment

verb|/ɔːɡˈment/

To make something greater by adding to it; to supplement.

Examples

In a meeting

We plan to augment the team with two contractors during the busy season.

Over coffee

I augment my income by freelancing on weekends.

Why this word

increase

Augment implies strategic addition to enhance existing value, while increase simply means making larger in quantity

expand

Augment suggests adding to strengthen or improve, while expand focuses on making bigger in scope or size

supplement

Augment emphasizes enhancement of the core entity, while supplement suggests adding something extra alongside

Usage tip

Implies adding to an existing base, not replacing it. Common in tech (augmented reality) and staffing (augment the team).

Etymology

Latin augmentare — augere (to increase, grow)

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