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acrecentar

to increase, to enlarge

verb ah-kreh-sen-TAHR Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Degree

Origin: From Latin accrescere (to grow).

Usage Note

Acrecentar is an irregular -ar verb with a stem change e→ie in the present tense (acrecienta, acrecientas, etc.), following the same pattern as sentar. It is more formal than aumentar and typically collocates with abstract nouns: acrecentar el poder, acrecentar la riqueza. The reflexive acrecentarse means to grow of its own accord.

Examples

"La crisis acrecentó la pobreza del país."

Natural Translation

The crisis increased the country's poverty.

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