decrease [di:ˈkri:s]vt. & vi.(使)缩短; 减小, 减少The traffic accidents in the city decreased last year.该城市去年交通事故减少了。n.减小, 降低There has been some decrease in imports.进口货物有所减少。减少(量)The decrease in sales was almost 20 percent.销售量差不多减少了20%。用法词典 decrease 来自拉丁词decrescere〈de- 失出+ crescer长大→减少 参考词汇decrease , lessen , diminish , reduce , abate , dwindle 这组动词的一般含义为“减少”。 decrease 和lessen比较普通,如果用词不讲究,可以代替这组词中任何其他词。decrease (名词亦为decrease,但重音在第一个音节上)强调数目或使人不快之物的逐渐减少。 如:to decrease the number of working hours,to decrease traffic accidents.The workmen want to decrease the number of working hours and increase pay.工人要求减少工作时间而增加工资。