Abridged Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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abridged
[əˈbrɪdʒd ]
Definitions
book or document
Abridged means shortened or condensed, usually referring to a book or document that has been reduced in length by omitting parts of the original text.
Synonyms
abbreviated, condensed, shortened.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| abridged |
Often used when talking about books, texts, or stories that have been shortened while maintaining the main points or core message. It suggests that essential parts are retained.
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| shortened |
Used in a more general sense for anything that has been made shorter in length, duration, or size. It can refer to texts, objects, or even time periods.
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| condensed |
Typically used when explaining that something has been made more concise or concentrated by omitting less important parts. Often applied to texts, speeches, or information.
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| abbreviated |
Commonly employed when referring to words or sentences that have been made shorter, often represented in initials or a shorter form while still being recognizable.
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Examples of usage
- The abridged version of the novel is easier to read.
- The abridged dictionary is more portable than the full version.
text
To abridge means to shorten or condense a written work by omitting parts of the original text while retaining the main ideas.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| abridged |
Use 'abridged' when referring to a shortened version of a text, document, or story that still retains the essential meaning and content.
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| shorten |
Use 'shorten' when you want to make something less in length or duration, often applied to time, clothes, or written content.
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| condense |
Use 'condense' when you want to reduce the volume or length of a text, speech, or substance while maintaining its key points or essence.
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| truncate |
Use 'truncate' when cutting off part of something, usually at the end. It can have a negative connotation when implying abrupt or incomplete removal.
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Examples of usage
- The editor abridged the article to fit the word limit.
- The movie was abridged for a shorter runtime.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Many classic novels have abridged versions that help readers engage with the storyline without wading through lengthy details.
- Abridged books are commonly used in education to help students grasp essential lessons without being overwhelmed.
- Some famous works like 'Moby Dick' and Shakespeare's plays have popular abridged formats.
Education
- Abridged texts can make challenging subjects more digestible, especially in language learning.
- Teachers often use abridged literature to introduce students to cultural classics in an accessible way.
- Abridged versions can serve as gateway texts, encouraging readers to explore the full original later.
Media
- In film and theater, abridged adaptations (like cuts of a play) condense content for time constraints while retaining the storyline.
- Television adaptations sometimes create abridged versions to fit network standards and time slots.
- Online platforms may host abridged audio or video versions of educational content for easier consumption.
Origin of 'abridged'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'abbreviare' meaning to shorten or reduce.
- In Middle English, the term evolved to refer to summarizing texts without losing their essence.
- Abridged versions of works have existed since ancient times, making literature more accessible.
The word 'abridged' originated from the Middle English word 'abreggen' which means 'to shorten'. It has been used in English since the 15th century. The practice of abridging texts dates back to ancient times when scribes would condense lengthy works for easier reading and dissemination.