Abridge: meaning, definitions and examples
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abridge
[ əˈbrɪdʒ ]
text shortening
To abridge means to shorten a text or piece of writing while retaining the essential elements. It involves condensing the material by removing non-critical parts or details. This process is often utilized in publishing and educational contexts, where a longer work may need to be summarized for easier comprehension or accessibility. Abridgement can also refer to summarizing speeches or discussions, making them more concise for presentations or publications.
Synonyms
condense, cut, reduce, shorten, truncate.
Examples of usage
- The editor decided to abridge the novel for younger readers.
- He had to abridge his speech to fit the time limit.
- The team worked hard to abridge the lengthy report.
- They stated that an abridged version of the book will be released next year.
Translations
Translations of the word "abridge" in other languages:
🇵🇹 abreviar
🇮🇳 संक्षिप्त करना
🇩🇪 verkürzen
🇮🇩 memendekkan
🇺🇦 скорочувати
🇵🇱 skrócić
🇯🇵 短縮する
🇫🇷 abréger
🇪🇸 acortar
🇹🇷 kısaltmak
🇰🇷 줄이다
🇸🇦 اختصار
🇨🇿 zkrátit
🇸🇰 skrátiť
🇨🇳 缩短
🇸🇮 skrajšati
🇮🇸 stytta
🇰🇿 қысқарту
🇬🇪 დაკლება
🇦🇿 qısaltmaq
🇲🇽 acortar
Etymology
The word 'abridge' comes from the Middle English verb 'abridgen', which is derived from the fusion of the Old French 'abregier'. The Old French term is based on the Latin verb 'abbreviare', a combination of 'ad-' meaning 'to' and 'breviare' meaning 'to shorten'. The use of the term in English dates back to the 14th century, when it was primarily associated with literary texts. Over the centuries, 'abridge' evolved in its usage to encompass various forms of summarization or simplification, not limited to written work but extending to speeches and even legal documents. In modern usage, it often carries a connotation of making something more accessible or manageable, without losing its core meaning.