Add Meaning

UK /æd/
US /æd/
Word Definition
add meaning

Add Definition & Usage

verb

To combine or join something with something else to increase its amount or number.

Examples

  • "I need to add sugar to my coffee."
  • "Can you add two more chairs to the table?"
  • "Please add your name to the list of attendees."
  • "The chef will add garlic to the sauce for extra flavor."
  • "She added a dash of salt to the soup to improve the taste."
verb

To calculate the sum of two or more numbers.

Examples

  • "If you add five and ten, you get fifteen."
  • "She added the total and double-checked the calculations."
  • "I need to add the prices of these items before I can make the payment."
  • "Can you add up these expenses for the report?"
  • "Add the numbers in the left column to get the final result."
verb

To contribute something additional, often improving or enhancing an existing situation.

Examples

  • "The new features will add significant value to the product."
  • "Your comments really added to the discussion."
  • "Her ideas added an extra layer of depth to the presentation."
  • "He added a personal touch to the gift by wrapping it himself."
  • "The film’s soundtrack added to its emotional impact."

Cultural Context

The word 'add' has its roots in Latin ('addere'), meaning to 'join to' or 'put together.' It has been widely used across various fields, including mathematics, cooking, and in everyday language. The concept of 'adding' is foundational in many cultures, especially in the context of commerce, where addition forms the basis of pricing, counting, and budgeting.

The Cake that Came Together

Story

The Cake that Came Together

Lily had been planning the surprise birthday cake for her best friend, Ava, for weeks. She wanted it to be something special, something more than just a store-bought treat. As she stood in the kitchen, surrounded by ingredients, she thought back to her mother's advice: "Baking is all about balance, but it's also about adding your own personal touch." She knew the cake needed a little something extra, so she decided to add a handful of chocolate chips into the batter. The extra sweetness would be perfect. But it wasn’t just the ingredients Lily was adding. As she layered the cake, she added fresh berries on top, carefully arranging them into a colorful pattern. It wasn’t just about the taste; it was about making it visually appealing as well. Once the cake was ready and the decorations were done, Lily had one more task: she needed to add a final touch – a special note to Ava. As she wrote, she thought about the years of friendship they had shared and how their lives had ‘added’ new experiences with each passing year. At the party, Ava’s face lit up when she saw the cake. It was more than just a dessert; it was a symbol of their friendship. Lily realized, in that moment, that every little thing she added – from the chocolate chips to the thoughtful note – was a reflection of their bond, a bond that had grown and expanded with time. It was more than just adding things to a cake. It was adding meaning to their friendship.

The Cake that Came Together