plus
plus
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for the word "plus" is /plʌs/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
pl - /pl/ - This represents a consonant blend, where the /p/ and /l/ sounds are pronounced together.
ʌ - /ʌ/ - This is the vowel sound in words like "cut" or "strut." It's a mid-central, unrounded vowel.
s - /s/ - This is the voiceless alveolar fricative, the "s" sound as in "sun."
Word Form Variations
plus (noun): This is the most common form, referring to the mathematical operation of addition, or a positive quantity. Example: "Two plus two equals four." It can also be used as an adjective, though less common. Example: "A plus factor."
plusses (plural noun): This is the plural form of the noun "plus," referring to multiple instances of addition or positive quantities. Example: "The plusses outweighed the minuses." It is also used as the third-person singular present indicative form of the verb "to plus".
plussed (verb, past tense/past participle): This is the past tense and past participle form of the verb "to plus," meaning to add or increase. Example: "They plussed the numbers together." This usage is less common.
plussing (verb, present participle/gerund): This is the present participle and gerund form of the verb "to plus." Example: "He was plussing the amounts in his head." Again, this is less common.
It's worth noting that the verb forms (plussed, plussing) are not as frequently used as the noun form (plus, plusses). In most cases where you might think to use "plus" as a verb, there are often more common and natural-sounding alternatives, such as "add," "increase," or "sum."
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun:
Definition 1 (Mathematics): The symbol (+) representing addition; a quantity added to another. Example: "The plus sign indicates addition."
Synonyms: addition symbol, positive sign, addend
Antonyms: minus, negative sign, subtraction
Definition 2 (Informal): An advantage or positive quality. Example: "His experience was a big plus."
Synonyms: benefit, advantage, asset, strength, merit
Antonyms: disadvantage, drawback, liability, weakness, demerit
Verb (Less Common):
Definition: To add or increase. Example: "They plussed their earnings by working overtime."
Synonyms: add, increase, augment, supplement, enhance
Antonyms: subtract, decrease, diminish, reduce
Adjective (Less Common):
Definition: Indicating a positive quantity or value; exceeding a specified amount. Example: "A plus score on the test."
Synonyms: positive, additive, extra, surplus
Antonyms: negative, subtractive, deficit, below
Preposition:
Definition: Added to; in addition to. Example: "Two plus two equals four."
Synonyms: and, plus, in addition to, with the addition of
Antonyms: minus, less, without
Examples of Use
Books:
"Two plus two equals four" (This is a fundamental mathematical statement appearing in countless educational texts.)
"The protagonist's bravery was a big plus in overcoming the challenges." (This example demonstrates the informal use of "plus" as an advantage, and could appear in any type of fiction or non-fiction book.)
Newspapers/Online Publications:
"The company reported a plus 10% increase in profits." (This is a common use in business news, denoting a positive growth. You'll see similar examples in publications like The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, or any business news outlet.)
"The new feature is a definite plus for users." (This is a common usage in product reviews or tech news, like on websites such as CNET, TechCrunch, etc.)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
"Disney+ announced a new Marvel series." (Streaming services often use "plus" in their names, like Disney+, Paramount+, ESPN+, etc. This signifies additional content or features.)
"This game has a plus/minus scoring system." (In sports broadcasts or video game reviews, "plus/minus" is frequently used to describe a performance metric.)
"He's got a great personality plus he's really talented." (This kind of informal use is common in reality TV shows, interviews, or entertainment news where someone's positive attributes are being listed.)
General Public Discourse:
"I'm looking for a phone with a plus-sized screen." (This is a common use of "plus" to indicate a larger version of a product, often used in everyday conversations or online shopping.)
"The plus side of this situation is..." (This phrase is frequently used in everyday conversation to highlight the positive aspects of a situation.)
"Don't forget to add a plus sign before the number." (In casual communication, people often use "plus" as shorthand for the plus sign, especially when giving instructions or sharing information, such as phone numbers, etc.)
10 Famous Quotes Using Plus
"Humor is truth plus pain plus time." — Mark Twain (attributed)
"Genius is one percent inspiration plus ninety-nine percent perspiration." — Thomas Edison
"Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can’t lose. Success plus arrogance equals failure." — Bill Gates
"Love is friendship plus passion and plus commitment." — Carl Jung (paraphrased)
"Happiness is nothing more than good health plus a bad memory." — Albert Schweitzer
"Life is like riding a bicycle: to keep your balance you must keep moving, plus steer toward hope." — Albert Einstein (adapted from original)
"Art is talent plus attention." — Gustave Flaubert
"Faith is reason plus revelation." — St. Thomas Aquinas
"Comedy equals tragedy plus time." — Steve Allen
"Peace is liberty plus order." — Will Durant
Etymology
"Plus" comes to us directly from Latin. The Latin word plus meant "more." Think of it like saying "more of something." It was used to indicate addition or an increase.
The trail gets a little less clear before Latin. Some scholars believe plus might be related to a Proto-Indo-European root, which is a very ancient, hypothetical ancestor language to many languages today. This root, they suggest, might have had a meaning related to fullness or abundance. However, this connection is more speculative.
The first known recorded use of plus in Latin was, unsurprisingly, in mathematical contexts. It appeared in writings related to arithmetic and geometry. So, right from the start, its core meaning was associated with addition and positive quantities.
The word made its way into English fairly directly from Latin, likely during the medieval period. It retained its mathematical meaning and also picked up the informal sense of "something extra" or an advantage, which makes sense if you think about it: something plus is an addition, an extra, a benefit.
So, in short, "plus" has a long history, originating from the Latin word for "more," and it has primarily been associated with addition, both in mathematical terms and in the broader sense of something extra or positive.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Plus
Common Phrases and Usages:
Plus or minus: This phrase indicates a range of acceptable values or a degree of uncertainty. Example: "The estimated delivery time is two weeks, plus or minus a few days."
Plus sign: This refers to the symbol (+) used in addition. Example: "Remember to put a plus sign before the positive numbers."
Plus points: This phrase refers to advantages or positive qualities. Example: "Her experience and enthusiasm are definite plus points."
Plus size: This term is used to describe clothing or products designed for people with larger body sizes. Example: "They offer a wide range of plus-size clothing."
And plus: This usage adds emphasis to something already stated. Example: "It's a great location, and plus, the rent is reasonable."
Plus tax/shipping/etc.: This phrase indicates that the listed price does not include tax, shipping, or other additional costs. Example: "The item costs $20, plus tax."
Why "Plus" is Less Common in Idioms:
"Plus" is a very functional word, primarily used for its literal meaning. Idioms often rely on figurative language and metaphors, which "plus" doesn't readily lend itself to. It's more of a building block than a colorful image.
Synonymous Phrases and Idioms (Conveying the Idea of Addition or Advantage):
Since "plus" is about addition or benefit, we can look at idioms with similar meanings:
To add insult to injury: This idiom describes making a bad situation worse, the opposite of a "plus."
On the plus side: This phrase, similar to "plus points," highlights the positive aspects of a situation. Example: "On the plus side, we saved money on the flights."
A feather in one's cap: This idiom refers to an achievement that adds to one's honor or reputation, a kind of figurative "plus." Example: "Winning the competition was a feather in her cap."
To tip the scales: This idiom means to add something that makes a decisive difference, similar to a significant "plus." Example: "The extra evidence tipped the scales in their favor."
To sweeten the deal: This idiom means to add something extra to make an offer more attractive. Example: "They sweetened the deal by including free delivery."
While "plus" itself might not be the star of many idioms, the concept of addition and advantage is represented by a variety of colorful phrases.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of plus from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
