Abridgement: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term originates from the Middle English word 'abreggen', which means to shorten.
• It is derived from the Old French 'abregier', linked to the Latin 'abbreviare', meaning to shorten.

Literature

• Abridgements are common in educational settings to help students digest classic novels without reading lengthy texts.
• Famous works like 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens have had successful abridged versions made for younger audiences.
• The idea of abridgement reflects an ongoing tradition in literature where accessibility is prioritized alongside depth.

Legal Context

• In legal terminology, an abridgement can summarize case laws, helping legal professionals quickly understand complexities.
• The Abridgement of Law, a collection of legal summaries, has been used as a reference for centuries.

Cultural Impact

• Abridged versions of plays and books are often used in theater and schools, allowing broader audiences to experience the stories.
• In movies, adaptations of novels often result in abridged versions that omit subplots for concise storytelling.

Usage in Modern Media

• Many podcasts and audiovisual content summarize books or lectures, functioning as an abridgement for auditory learners.
• Online platforms frequently offer abridged articles, especially in fields that require quick comprehension of dense materials.

At rank #29,112, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 29112 abridgement
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