Aumentare vs. accrescere vs. incrementare
The Italian words 'aumentare', 'accrescere', and 'incrementare' all mean 'to increase' in English, but they have subtle differences in usage and connotation.
Aumentare
'Aumentare' is the most common and general term for increasing or raising something. It can be used in a wide variety of contexts, from everyday situations to more formal or technical discussions.
Il governo ha deciso di aumentare le tasse.
(The government decided to increase taxes.)
La temperatura continua ad aumentare ogni anno.
(The temperature continues to increase every year.)
Accrescere
'Accrescere' implies a gradual or organic growth. It's often used for personal development, knowledge, or things that grow naturally over time.
Lo studio aiuta ad accrescere le proprie conoscenze.
(Studying helps to increase one's knowledge.)
L'azienda mira ad accrescere la sua presenza sul mercato internazionale.
(The company aims to increase its presence in the international market.)
Incrementare
'Incrementare' is more formal and often used in business or scientific contexts. It suggests a deliberate, often measurable increase.
L'azienda ha deciso di incrementare la produzione del 20%.
(The company decided to increase production by 20%.)
Il nuovo software aiuta a incrementare l'efficienza del processo.
(The new software helps to increase the efficiency of the process.)
Summary
While all three words mean 'to increase', 'aumentare' is the most versatile and commonly used, 'accrescere' implies gradual or natural growth, and 'incrementare' is more formal and often used in specific, measurable contexts.