The word “augment” comes from the Latin verb “augere,” which means “to increase” or “to make larger.” The past participle form of “augere” is “auctus,” which is where the English word derives its form. The concept of augmentation refers to the action of making something greater by adding to it, enhancing it, or increasing its value, size, or strength.
The word entered the English language through Old French “augmenter,” which also carried the meaning of enlarging or increasing. Over time, it evolved in Middle English as “augmenten,” maintaining the sense of adding or enhancing.
In modern usage, “augment” is often used in various contexts, such as technology (e.g., augmented reality), where it describes enhancing or adding digital information to the physical world, or in general contexts where something is made more substantial or improved.