addition
addition — noun
1. the math operation in which several quantities are combined into a single total
the math operation in which several quantities are combined into a single total — for example, working out that 3 plus 4 equals 7.
Mr. Chen taught the children simple addition using small wooden blocks.
teach + simple addition (school context)
Nia can do addition in her head, but she still needs paper for division.
do addition (typical verb collocation)
The first-grade test had twenty addition questions and no calculator was allowed.
Aiko made a small mistake in her addition and got the wrong total.
Addition and subtraction are usually taught before multiplication.
- subtraction
the opposite math operation, taking one number away from another
用法筆記
Uncountable in this sense — never 'an addition' or 'additions' when referring to the math operation. Distinguish from sense 5 (the act of adding something physical) by context: numbers and totals point here.
常見錯誤
2. used in the fixed phrase 'in addition' or 'in addition to' to bring up another p
used in the fixed phrase 'in addition' or 'in addition to' to bring up another person, fact, or thing on top of what you have already mentioned.
In addition to teaching English, Renata runs a small bakery on weekends.
in addition to + -ing
The hotel has a swimming pool, and in addition, every room has a sea view.
'in addition' as sentence connector
In addition to her salary, Aunt Rosa earns money from selling homemade jam.
The new phone is cheap, and in addition, the battery lasts two whole days.
Three students were absent today in addition to the two who were sick yesterday.
- as well as
more conversational; 'in addition to' is slightly more formal
- besides
can replace 'in addition to' but often suggests 'apart from'
- moreover
more formal; only replaces 'in addition' as a sentence connector, not 'in addition to'
文法句型
in addition to + noun/-ing
in addition (sentence connector)
用法筆記
Almost always appears inside the phrase 'in addition' or 'in addition to' — 'in addition' alone joins two sentences, while 'in addition to' takes a noun or -ing form after it. Slightly more formal than 'as well as' or 'and also'.
常見錯誤
3. an extra thing that has been put together with what was already there, often to
an extra thing that has been put together with what was already there, often to make it bigger, better, or more complete.
The vintage red scarf was a lovely addition to Nia's winter wardrobe.
a + adjective + addition to + noun
Garlic and lemon are useful additions to this fish recipe.
plural countable use
The library's latest addition is a quiet study room on the second floor.
A heated steering wheel is a welcome addition on cold winter mornings.
- extra
more informal; emphasises the bonus aspect
- supplement
more formal; often suggests something that completes or supports
- accessory
narrower; usually a small added item, especially for clothing or equipment
文法句型
a/the addition to + noun
用法筆記
Almost always followed by 'to + noun' to name what the extra thing is added to. Distinguish from sense 4 (a new person joining a group) by checking whether the referent is a thing or a person.
常見錯誤
4. a person, baby, or animal who has recently joined a family, team, or other group
a person, baby, or animal who has recently joined a family, team, or other group.
Baby Hiro is the newest addition to the Yael family.
the newest addition to the family (set phrase)
Coach Park introduced the team's two new additions before the match started.
plural countable use for new members
Lucy, our rescue puppy, is a noisy but lovable addition to the household.
Dr. Wei is a valuable addition to the hospital's surgery team.
文法句型
a/the addition to + group noun
用法筆記
Subject is typically a person, baby, or pet, and the phrase usually ends with 'to + group noun' (the family, the team, the staff). Distinguish from sense 3 by the referent being animate.
常見錯誤
5. the action of putting one substance, ingredient, or feature into something so th
the action of putting one substance, ingredient, or feature into something so that it becomes part of it.
The addition of fresh basil completely changed the flavour of the tomato sauce.
the addition of + ingredient
With the addition of a small fan, the kitchen feels much cooler in summer.
with the addition of + noun (causal)
The addition of sugar to the medicine made it easier for the children to swallow.
The factory banned the addition of artificial colours to baby food last year.
- introduction
more formal; emphasises bringing something in for the first time
- inclusion
stresses being made part of a set rather than mixed in
- removal
the opposite act — taking the substance out
文法句型
the addition of + noun
用法筆記
Almost always uncountable and used in the structure 'the addition of X (to Y)'. Distinguish from sense 3: this names the act, while sense 3 names the thing that has been added.
常見錯誤
6. a new room, wing, or section that has been built onto a home, school, or similar
a new room, wing, or section that has been built onto a home, school, or similar structure to make it larger.
The Garcias built a sunny addition at the back of their house for their grandmother.
build an addition (American usage)
The school's new addition will hold three science labs and a small library.
new addition (school building context)
Otto drew up plans for a two-storey addition over the garage.
The wooden addition on the side of the cottage was painted bright green.
文法句型
an addition to + building
用法筆記
Common in American English; British speakers often prefer 'extension' for the same idea. Subject is usually a piece of a building (room, wing, storey) rather than furniture or decoration.