Addition
noun
Definition
1. Addition (noun): the act of adding something.
2. Something extra that is included.
3. A new part that is joined to something that already exists.
2. Something extra that is included.
3. A new part that is joined to something that already exists.
Context Alive
You already have something complete — a plan, a meal, a house, or even a conversation — and then one more thing is included to improve or extend it. It doesn’t replace what’s there; it simply builds on it. That extra piece, whether small or big, is an addition.
Meanings
3 meanings 1 Something extra that is included Very Common ▼
Addition is most often used for something new that is added to what already exists. It can be an idea, a feature, a rule, or a detail. For example, a teacher might say a short quiz is an addition to the lesson, or a phone update might come with a new feature as an addition, making the original thing richer or more complete. 📌
Vivid ExampleThe presentation was already clear, but the final chart was a smart addition that helped everyone understand the data instantly.
2 The act or process of adding Common ▼
Here addition focuses on the action itself rather than the result. It’s often used when talking about numbers, tasks, or steps. In everyday life, this could be the addition of new responsibilities at work or the addition of extra costs that change a budget. 📌
Vivid ExampleThe sudden addition of late-night meetings made the job far more exhausting than she had expected.
3 A new part added to a building or structure Common ▼
In physical spaces, an addition is a new section built onto an existing structure, like an extra room or floor. It suggests growth rather than replacement — the original building stays, but it becomes bigger or more useful. 📌
Vivid ExampleWith a growing family, they decided to build an addition onto the house, turning the once-small home into a comfortable space for everyone.
Examples from the Street
“In addition to coffee, I’ll have toast”
besides the drink, include bread too
“The new addition to the house looks great”
the extra built part improves the home
“Basic addition is easy for kids”
simple combining of numbers is straightforward for young ones
Common Patterns
addition of + numbers/things → combining specific items
simple/basic addition → easy combining
addition to + noun → something joined to improve
a welcome/recent addition → positive extra
home/family addition → new room or baby
in addition (to) → also, furthermore
Collocations
4 collocationsin addition to
as well as; on top of something
a welcome addition
something new that is positively received
a valuable addition
something that adds significant worth
the latest addition
the most recent thing to be added
Example Sentences
12 examples
1
The addition of spices improved the flavour
Including seasonings enhanced the taste significantly.
2
In addition to books, buy notebooks
Besides reading materials, purchase writing pads too.
3
A new baby is a joyful family addition
An infant brings happiness as a household expansion.
4
Practice basic addition with flashcards
Rehearse simple combining using visual cards.
5
The garage is our latest home addition
The vehicle storage represents the most recent house extension.
6
In addition, the location is perfect
Furthermore, the site suits needs ideally.
7
She’s a valuable addition to the team
Her presence greatly benefits the group.
8
Master addition before multiplication
Learn combining numbers prior to repeated grouping.
9
The addition of colour brightened the room
Incorporating hues made the space more vibrant.
10
He’s a welcome addition to our group
His joining pleases everyone in the circle.
Learner Examples
★
In addition to grammar, pronunciation practice builds confidence in speaking
Besides structure rules, sound exercises develop self-assurance during oral expression.
★
Real conversations are a great addition to textbook learning — they make language feel alive
Genuine dialogues serve as excellent supplement to written materials — bringing speech to life.
Phrasal Verbs & Idioms
1 items Idioms & Expressionsin addition to — as well as, besides
In addition to his main job, he teaches guitar on weekends.
Synonyms & Antonyms
7 items
Synonymsextra
something added on top
supplement
adding to make complete
add-on
an optional extra
bonus
a welcome extra
Antonymsremoval
taking something away
subtraction
reducing an amount
loss
something that is gone