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Abridgement Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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abridgement

[ษ™หˆbrษชdส’mษ™nt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

written work

Abridgement is the act of shortening a written work or text while preserving its essential meaning and content. It is commonly used in literature and academic settings to create condensed versions of longer texts for easier consumption or study.

Synonyms

condensation, digest, reduction, summary.

Examples of usage

  • The abridgement of the novel allowed students to read the essential parts within a week.
  • An abridgement of the original report made it more accessible to a general audience.
  • The librarian recommended an abridgement of the classic play for the school production.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'abridgement'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The term 'abridgement' has its origins in Middle English from the word 'abreggen,' which means to shorten. This, in turn, is derived from the Old French 'abregier,' which comes from the Latin 'ab breviฤre,' meaning to shorten, with 'ab' indicating 'from' and 'breviฤre' meaning 'to make brief.' The evolution of the word reflects its continued use in contexts involving the summarization and reduction of texts or information. The concept of abridgement has been important in literature and education, where brevity is often sought without sacrificing essential meaning. Over time, it has become a common literary technique, recognized for its utility in enhancing readability and accessibility.

Word Frequency Rank

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