Meaning 1
A feature or circumstance that adds useful value.
Reach for it when pointing out one favorable factor in an option or situation
Secure bicycle storage was a decisive plus for the new office.
Meaning 2
A mathematical sign or operation indicating addition or a positive value.
Reach for it when referring precisely to the addition symbol or positive side of a scale
The child placed a plus between the two groups of counters.
| Meaning 1 | Meaning 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| playful | ||
| everyday | ||
| professional |
| |
| formal |
playful
Fits if the extra benefit is enjoyable but not essential
Careful Perk makes the feature sound incidental and often employment-related.
everyday
Suits a favorable result received by someone
Careful Benefit stresses the outcome, while a plus can be a feature with potential value.
everyday
Suits an unexpected or additional favorable feature
Careful Bonus suggests something beyond the expected package rather than a core strength.
professional
Fits when a factor improves one option relative to another
Careful Advantage often implies comparison or competitive benefit more strongly than plus.
professional
Fits when a quality or resource contributes lasting usefulness
Careful Asset can sound financial and may refer to something owned.
formal
Fits when balancing favorable and unfavorable evidence
Careful Positive is more abstract and less conversational than calling a feature a plus.
professional
addition sign
Fits when readers need the symbol's exact mathematical name
Careful Addition sign identifies the mark but not every positive-value use.
professional
positive sign
Suits the mark showing a number is above zero
Careful Positive sign concerns numerical polarity, not the act of adding.
a definite plus
An evening bus service is a definite plus for shift workers.
major plus
The library's step-free entrance was a major plus for the group.
plus sign
A plus sign marked each item that met the safety standard.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Neskaya, Southern California accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated
Your browser isn't saving lists, so this one will be cleared when you leave the page.