accroître

The French verb "accroître" means to increase or to enlarge something, often in the sense of making something grow in size, quantity, intensity, or importance.

Explanation:

• It is a transitive verb, so it requires a direct object.
• It is somewhat formal or literary, used in writing or more formal speech.
• For example, "accroître la productivité" means "to increase productivity."

Synonyms and differences:

1. Augmenter

   • Probably the most common and neutral verb meaning "to increase."
   • Used in everyday speech and writing.
   • Example: "augmenter la vitesse" (increase speed).

2. Élargir

   • Means "to broaden" or "to widen," generally used for physical dimensions.
   • More specific than "accroître" for size or spatial extensions.

3. Amplifier

   • Means "to amplify," often used figuratively for intensifying something, like emotions or signals.
   • Carries the nuance of intensification or exaggeration.

While "accroître" shares the idea of increasing with "augmenter," it often sounds more formal and can carry a nuance of making larger or greater in a more general sense, beyond just numbers—such as stature, influence, or risks.

Summary:

• Accroître = to increase/make grow (formal/literary).
• Augmenter = to increase (common/general).
• Use accroître for formal contexts or when emphasizing growth/enlargement beyond simple numeric increase.