Subtraction Meaning in English

word

US

səbˈtɹækʃən

suhb-TRAK-shun

UK

sʌbtɹˈækʃən

sub-TRAK-shun

Definition

The process of taking one number away from another to find the difference. Subtraction is one of the basic operations in mathematics.

Usage & Nuances

Mostly used in math contexts. Common collocations: 'do subtraction', 'subtraction problem', 'subtraction sign'. Not used for general 'removal'—for that, use 'deduct' or 'take away'.

• Spanish: sustracción
• Portuguese (BR): subtração
• Portuguese (PT): subtração
• Chinese (Simplified): 减法
• Chinese (Traditional): 減法
• Hindi: घटाव
• Arabic: طرح
• Bengali: বিয়োগ
• Russian: вычитание
• Japanese: 引き算
• Vietnamese: phép trừ
• Korean: 뺄셈
• Turkish: çıkarma
• Urdu: تفریق
• Indonesian: pengurangan

Example Sentences

Let's practice subtraction with small numbers.

basic

The answer to a subtraction problem is called the difference.

basic

Subtraction is the opposite of addition.

basic

I always found subtraction a bit trickier than addition as a kid.

natural

Could you check my subtraction on this worksheet?

natural

Sometimes, even adults make mistakes with basic subtraction.

natural