Minus vs. Subtract — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 6, 2024
Minus is often used as a preposition or conjunction indicating subtraction or lack, while subtract is a verb that describes the action of taking away a number from another.
Difference Between Minus and Subtract
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Minus can function as a preposition in sentences, indicating the absence of something, while subtract is explicitly a verb used to denote the mathematical operation of deduction.
In mathematics, 'minus' is used to signify the subtraction operation symbolically (e.g., 5 minus 2 equals 3), whereas 'subtract' is used as the action term in arithmetic (e.g., When you subtract 2 from 5, you get 3).
When used in everyday language, 'minus' can describe conditions that are lacking or absent (e.g., The team played minus their captain), whereas 'subtract' does not commonly appear in non-mathematical contexts.
Minus also appears in contexts unrelated to arithmetic, such as indicating negative temperatures (e.g., minus 10 degrees), on the other hand, 'subtract' remains strictly within the realms of mathematical usage.
The term 'minus' can also be used informally to mean "without" (e.g., I attended the meeting minus any preparation), while subtract does not have this informal usage.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Preposition, conjunction, adjective
Verb
Usage in Math
Symbol for operation (-)
Describes the process of deduction
Example in Math
5 minus 2 equals 3
Subtract 2 from 5 to get 3
Non-math Usage
"I went there minus my friend."
Rarely used non-mathematically
Informal Meaning
Synonym for "without"
Not used informally
Compare with Definitions
Minus
As a conjunction; indicates absence.
They played well, minus their star player.
Subtract
Reduction process in calculations.
Subtract the expenses from your income.
Minus
As a preposition; indicating subtraction.
Five minus two is three.
Subtract
To take away one number from another.
Subtract four from nine to get five.
Minus
Symbolically in math; the minus sign (-).
Use minus to indicate subtraction.
Subtract
Lessen or diminish something.
High costs subtract from our overall profit.
Minus
Informal usage; without something.
He came minus any luggage.
Subtract
To deduct a quantity.
Subtract thirty percent from the total cost.
Minus
As an adjective; below zero in temperature.
It was minus five degrees.
Subtract
Mathematical operation of removing quantities.
Always subtract the smaller number.
Minus
(Mathematics) Reduced by the subtraction of; less
Ten minus four is six.
Subtract
To take away; deduct.
Minus
(Informal) Without
I went to work minus my ID.
Subtract
To perform the arithmetic operation of subtraction.
Minus
(Mathematics) Negative or on the negative part of a scale
A minus value.
Minus five degrees.
Subtract
To remove or reduce; especially to reduce a quantity or number
If you subtract the $100 for gas from the total cost, it was a fairly inexpensive trip.
Minus
Ranking on the lower end of a designated scale
A grade of A minus.
Subtract
To withdraw, or take away, as a part from the whole; to deduct; as, subtract 5 from 9, and the remainder is 4.
Minus
The minus sign (-).
Subtract
Make a subtraction
Minus
A negative quantity.
Minus
A deficiency or defect.
Minus
(mathematics) Made less or reduced by followed by an expression of number or quantity.
Seven minus two is five
Minus
(informal) Without; deprived of.
I walked out minus my coat.
Minus
(mathematics) The minus sign (−).
Minus
(mathematics) A negative quantity.
Minus
A downside or disadvantage.
Minus
Being a negative quantity; pertaining to a deficit or reduction.
A minus number
Minus
That is below zero by (a specified amount) on a scale.
Minus seven degrees
Minus
Worse off than before; out of pocket.
Minus
(postpositive) Ranking just below (a designated rating).
He got a grade of B minus for his essay.
Minus
To subtract.
Minus
Less; requiring to be subtracted; negative; as, a minus quantity.
Minus
A factor counted as a disadvantage; a loss or potential loss in a situation or plan; as, he added up all the pluses and minuses and decided not to do it; as, the lack of money is a big minus in an election campaign.
Minus
An arithmetic operation in which the difference between two numbers is calculated;
The subtraction of three from four leaves one
Four minus three equals one
Minus
On the negative side or lower end of a scale;
Minus 5 degrees
A grade of B minus
Minus
Involving disadvantage or harm;
Minus (or negative) factors
Common Curiosities
Is there an informal use for the term minus?
Yes, informally, minus can mean "without" something.
How is the verb 'subtract' primarily used?
Subtract is used to describe the action of taking one number away from another in mathematics.
What is the difference between '5 minus 2' and 'subtract 2 from 5'?
Both phrases describe the same arithmetic operation, but the former uses minus as a preposition, while the latter explicitly states the subtraction action.
What part of speech is 'subtract'?
'Subtract' is a verb; it implies the action of deducting one number from another.
What does minus mean in mathematical terms?
Minus refers to the subtraction symbol (-) used to indicate that one number is to be subtracted from another.
Can minus be used outside of mathematics?
Yes, minus can also indicate the absence of something or describe negative temperatures.
Can 'minus' function as an adjective?
Yes, 'minus' can function as an adjective, often describing temperatures below zero (e.g., The temperature dropped to minus 10 degrees Celsius).
Does the use of 'minus' or 'subtract' change in professional settings?
In professional settings, especially in technical fields like engineering or accounting, 'subtract' is preferred for clarity and precision in calculations, whereas 'minus' might be used more informally or in written descriptions.
What is the difference between using 'minus' and 'subtract' in a sentence?
'Minus' can be used as a preposition or conjunction, often in a more informal context (e.g., The score was 10 minus 2). 'Subtract', being a verb, requires an object and is explicitly used to describe an action in arithmetic (e.g., Subtract 2 from 10).
How do children learn to use 'minus' and 'subtract'?
Children often learn 'minus' as part of learning basic arithmetic symbols and terms in math classes, while 'subtract' is taught as the verb form to describe the action of taking away numbers.
Can 'minus' be used in financial contexts?
Yes, 'minus' can be used in financial contexts to indicate a deficit or deduction (e.g., The account balance is $100 minus a $35 fee).
Is 'subtract' used in everyday language?
'Subtract' is less commonly used in everyday non-mathematical contexts and is primarily used in formal or educational settings related to arithmetic.
Is there a symbolic representation for 'subtract'?
There is no separate symbolic representation for 'subtract'; it is represented by the minus sign (-) used in subtraction.
Can 'minus' imply a qualitative reduction?
Informally, 'minus' can imply a qualitative reduction, such as in the sentence "The play was great, minus the final act."
What is a common mistake people make when using 'subtract'?
A common mistake is not specifying what is being subtracted from what, leading to confusion (e.g., saying just "subtract 5" without stating from which number).
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
