Addition usually means something that has been added, or the act of adding something. It can also mean the arithmeticThe branch of math dealing with numbers and basic calculations. processA series of steps used to do or make something. of adding numbers, or a new building area laidArranged or placed in a particular position or pattern. out for homes.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /əˈdɪʃən/
Easy pronunciation: uh-DISH-uhn (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress is on the second syllable.
Use this for the noun meaning something added to what you already have.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Addition Meaning
an extra thing or person added to a group, collection, or place
Part of speech: noun
Definition: something added to what you already have
Example: He was a new addition to the staff.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- accession — Works for a formal or official addition, especially a person joining a group.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Addition
Meaning 2
something extra added to improve or complete something
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a component that is added to something to improve it
Example: The addition of cinnamon improved the flavor.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- add-on — A practical synonym when the added part is separate or extra.
- improver — Can fit in some contexts, but it is less natural than add-on and not always interchangeable.
Meaning 3
an extra amount added to something
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a quantity that is added
Example: There was an addition to property taxes this year.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- gain — Can work when the added amount is a positive increase, but it is broader than addition.
- increase — A direct synonym when talking about a larger amount or rise.
Meaning 4
adding numbers together
Part of speech: noun
Definition: the arithmetic operation of summing; calculating the sum of two or more numbers
Example: 2 + 3 is an addition problem.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- plus — Used for the sign or operation in basic math, but less formal than addition.
- summation — A formal synonym for the math operation.
Meaning 5
a planned residential development, usually built on the edge of a city
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a suburban area laid out in streets and lots for a future residential area
Example: They bought a house in a new addition outside town.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Addition Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- accession
something extra added to improve or complete something
- add-on
an extra amount or rise
- increase
- gain
the math operation of adding
- summation
- plus
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Do not confuse addition as a noun meaning 'an extra thing' with add-on as a separate item or feature.
- In math, addition means the operation of adding, not the result of adding.
- The suburban-area meaning is a place name sense and should not be mixed with the everyday meanings.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does addition mean in simple English?
Addition usually means something extra that is added, or the act of adding something. In math, it means adding numbers together.
What is the most common meaning of addition?
The most common everyday meaning is something extra that has been added to a person, group, or thing.
What are the best synonyms for addition?
The best synonym depends on the sense. For the main meaning, accession can work in formal usage. For math, summation is a strong synonym, and for an extra feature, add-on often fits.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.