increscere

Increscere is an Italian verb that means to increase, to grow, or to become greater in size, extent, or intensity. The form is built from the verb crescere with the prefix in-, and its sense overlaps with the more common accrescere. In contemporary Italian, increscere is rarely used and is generally regarded as archaic, literary, or regional; most speakers would prefer accrescere or crescere depending on the context.

Etymology and status: increscere likely derives from Latin increscere, formed with a prefix similar to in- or ad- plus crescere. The exact historical trajectory is uncertain, but in modern lexicography it is typically described as rare or obsolete. Because of its scarcity, incidences of increscere are mostly found in older texts, religious or philosophical writing, or stylistic uses aimed at a classical tone.

Usage: when attested, increscere covers both literal growth (for example, size or quantity increasing) and figurative intensification (such as influence or importance increasing). In present-day Italian, speakers normally substitute accrescere for formal or literary needs and crescere for general “to grow.” The distinction between accrescere (to increase or enlarge) and crescere (to grow or develop) is often preserved, while increscere remains a historical or stylistic variant.

See also: accrescere, crescere, aumentare.