Subtraction is one of the four basic operations in arithmetic, and it tells you how much you take away or how much difference there is between numbers. This guide goes over key vocabulary and useful phrases for talking about subtraction in everyday contexts.
Vocabulary
| English Word(s) | English Translation(s) | |
|---|---|---|
| subtract | to take away one amount from another | |
| minus | the operation of subtraction, or the symbol − | |
| difference | the result of subtracting two numbers | |
| take away | to remove an amount from a total | |
| decrease | to become smaller; to reduce an amount | |
| reduce | to make smaller in amount, number, or size | |
| less | indicating subtraction or a smaller amount | |
| remaining | what is left after part is taken away | |
| balance | the amount left after subtraction in contexts like money | |
| deduct | to officially take away an amount from a total |
Phrases
Phrases for subtraction often appear in word problems, everyday speech, and instructions. Expressions like take away, subtract, and difference help you describe the operation clearly.
Examples
Summary
Subtraction vocabulary revolves around taking away amounts and finding differences. Key words like subtract, minus, difference, and phrases like take away make it easy to talk about subtraction in math and real life.
Additional Terms
For more precise contexts there are related terms like deduct (used in finance), decrease (more general), and remaining (what is left) that expand how you describe subtraction processes.
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025