plus
gb/plˈʌs/ us/plˈʌs/
A1
English
~ 1300
Senses
0 senses
preposition
A2
relation
1
in addition to
Used to show that one thing is added to another.
Usage pattern:
[something] plus [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'plus' with 'and' in all contexts; 'plus' is less common in formal writing for non-mathematical ideas.
Synonyms
and (A more general conjunction, not limited to additive amounts or lists.)
Antonyms
minus (Indicates subtraction rather than addition.)
Collocations
plus tax
|plus shipping
|plus interest
|plus fees
Themes
math
|daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The rent is $800 plus utilities.
- She gets a good salary plus bonuses.
- Your ticket includes dinner plus a free drink.
Learner examples
- The box costs $10 plus $2 for shipping.
- He has two cats plus a dog.
- I will take the phone plus the charger.
Noun
B1
entity
2
an advantage or benefit
A good point or benefit of something.
Usage pattern:
a plus for [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Learners may think 'plus' as a noun always refers to mathematics; in this sense, it means an advantage.
Synonyms
advantage (A more general term for a beneficial feature.)
Antonyms
minus (A disadvantage or negative aspect.)
Collocations
a big plus
|a real plus
|major plus
Themes
daily life
|business
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The house has a garden, which is a real plus.
- Speaking another language is a big plus in this job.
- Her experience is a major plus for the team.
Learner examples
- The park near my home is a big plus.
- Good weather is a plus for the trip.
- Free delivery is a plus for customers.
symbol
technical
A1
entity
3
mathematical addition sign
The '+' sign that shows you should add numbers together.
Synonyms
+ (The literal symbol used in math and other contexts.)
Antonyms
- (The minus sign, used for subtraction.)
Collocations
plus sign
|plus symbol
Themes
math
|science
|technology
Examples
- Write the numbers with a plus between them.
- On the form, mark your answer with a plus sign.
- Two plus two equals four.
Learner examples
- Three plus two is five.
- Put a plus between the numbers.
- The plus sign means add.
adjective
B1
property
4
positive or above standard
More than zero, or better than an average level.
Synonyms
positive (Directly indicates more than zero or favorable status.)
Antonyms
minus (Below zero or less than the standard.)
Collocations
plus temperature
|plus rating
Themes
math
|evaluation
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Today’s temperature will be plus five degrees Celsius.
- She received a B plus in the course.
- The battery has a plus terminal and a minus terminal.
Learner examples
- It is plus ten degrees today.
- He got an A plus in English.
- Touch the plus side of the battery.
Grammar
Dictionary form
plus
IPA
GB/plˈʌs/
US/plˈʌs/
Syllables & stress
plus (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (plus)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: plus
Noun
- Base: plus
- Plural: pluses, plusses
Word family
Forms
pluses
noun
plusses
noun
Related words
additional
adjective A2
additionally
adverb B2
Expressions
a big plus
1/ə bˈɪɡ plˈʌs/
fixed phrase
a major advantage or benefit
A very good point or helpful thing.
Examples
- Free parking is a big plus when choosing a hotel.
- Her friendly personality is a big plus in customer service.
B plus / C plus etc.
1/bˈi plˈʌs sˈi plˈʌs ˌɛtsˈɛtɚə ‖/
fixed phrase
grade slightly above base letter grade
In school, a grade that is better than B but not as good as A.
Examples
- He earned a B plus on his essay.
- My final grade was C plus, so I passed.
plus or minus
1/plˈʌs ˈɔɹ mˈaɪnəs/
fixed phrase
approximately; give or take
About this number, but it can be a little higher or a little lower.
Examples
- The journey will take two hours, plus or minus ten minutes.
- The repair should cost $200, plus or minus a few dollars.
- The device can handle a voltage of 12 volts, plus or minus 5 percent.
plus or minus
2/plˈʌs ˈɔɹ mˈaɪnəs/
fixed phrase
technical
+/- indicating variation range
Shows that a number can be higher or lower by a small amount.
Examples
- The distance is 10 miles, plus or minus half a mile.
- Your score could change by plus or minus two points.