augment
UK: ɔːɡˈmɛnt | US: ɔɡˈmɛnt
vt. to increase or enlarge in size, degree, or effect
vt. (Music) to raise (a musical interval) by a semitone
n. (Grammar) a vowel prefixed to past tenses in some Indo-European languages
The word "augment" originates from Latin augmentum (an increase), derived from augēre (to increase). The root aug- conveys growth or enlargement, seen in words like "auction" (increasing bids) and "author" (one who originates/grows ideas). The suffix -ment forms nouns indicating the result of an action. Over time, "augment" evolved from literal growth to broader contexts, including music (raising pitch) and grammar (prefixing vowels).
The company plans to augment its workforce by hiring 50 new employees.
The chef augmented the dish with fresh herbs for extra flavor.
In music theory, a fifth becomes an augmented fifth when raised by a semitone.
The software update will augment the app’s performance significantly.
Ancient Greek uses augment to form past tenses in certain verbs.