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"Add to" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "aumentar", and "take away from" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "desmerecer". Learn more about the difference between "add to" and "take away from" below.
add to(
ahd
tu
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
a. aumentar
We had heard bad things about our new professor, but his demeanor only added to our fears.Habíamos oído malas cosas de nuestro nuevo profesor, pero su comportamiento solo aumentó nuestros temores.
a. ampliar
We're going to add to the house when we have enough money.Vamos a ampliar la casa cuando tengamos dinero suficiente.
take away from(
teyk
uh
-
wey
fruhm
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
1. (general)
a. desmerecer
His spelling mistakes take away from the fluency of his writing style.Sus faltas de ortografía desmerecen la fluidez de su estilo de escritura.
b. restar valor a
Some of your design elements take away from the content.Algunos elementos de tu diseño le restan valor al contenido.
c. quitar méritos a
Your arrogant attitude takes away from everything you do.Tu actitud arrogante le quita méritos a todo lo que haces.