Abridgment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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abridgment

[əˈbrɪdʒmənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

literature

A concise summary or shortened version of a written work or speech.

Synonyms

condensation, digest, summary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
abridgment	Used when referring to a shortened form of a book, speech, or other text that retains the main points and essential elements. The student's thesis was an abridgment of her extensive research paper
summary	Commonly used when providing a brief statement of the main points of a text, movie, or event. The executive asked for a summary of the meeting to be presented at the next board session
digest	Typically used for a collection or summary of written material, providing key points or essential information from a larger document. He read the monthly digest to stay updated on the latest health news
condensation	Employed when making a text shorter by removing less important details, often to make it more concise and focused. The teacher asked for a condensation of the lengthy novel for the class discussion

Examples of usage

She read the abridgment of the novel before reading the full version.
The abridgment of the play made it easier to understand the main plot.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

legal

The act of reducing a written work or document by omitting parts of the original content.

Synonyms

cutting, editing, shortening.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
abridgment	Abridgment is used when referring to a shortened version of a book, movie, or speech that retains the essential elements and core message. The abridgment of the novel made it more accessible for younger readers. They released an abridgment of the audiobook for those who prefer a shorter version.
shortening	Shortening refers to the act of making something less in length or duration and is used in a general context. It can apply to time, text, clothing, or other measurable items. The teacher recommended shortening the essay to make it more concise. The project timeline requires shortening due to unexpected delays.
cutting	Cutting is often used in the context of removing parts of text, film, or other materials, and can have a negative connotation as it implies the removal of potentially important content. It might also be used informally for reducing the length of something. The editor's cutting of entire scenes from the movie upset many fans. She did some cutting in the article to make it fit within the word limit.
editing	Editing involves the process of reviewing and making changes to text, video, or audio to improve it, clarify ideas, or make it suitable for publication or presentation. It’s a broader term that encompasses revisions for length, quality, and accuracy. She spent hours editing her manuscript before submitting it to the publisher. The editing of the documentary took several months to complete.

Examples of usage

The abridgment of the contract excluded certain clauses that were deemed unnecessary.
The abridgment of the constitution sparked a debate among lawmakers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

Famous works like 'The Odyssey' and 'The Iliad' have been abridged to make them more accessible to younger readers.
Abridgments can change the way we perceive a text by emphasizing certain themes or altering characters' depth.
Anthologies often include abridged versions of various works to present key ideas without overwhelming the reader.

Education

Abridgments are commonly used in educational settings to help students grasp complex texts without losing essential concepts.
Teachers often provide abridged versions of classic literature to encourage reading engagement among students.
Creating an abridgment can be an educational exercise, teaching students how to distill information effectively.

Cultural Impact

Abridged editions of books have sparked debates about fidelity to the original text and what is lost in the shortening process.
Some popular movies are based on abridged versions of books, altering plot details for cinematic purposes.
In music, 'abridgment' occurs when songs are edited for radio play, creating shorter versions that still convey the core message.

Origin of 'abridgment'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from Middle English 'abridgement,' derived from the Old French 'abridger,' meaning to shorten.
The Latin root 'abbreviare' combines 'ab-' (from) and 'breviare' (to shorten), highlighting its purpose.
The first recorded use of 'abridgment' in English dates back to the late 14th century.

The word 'abridgment' originated from the Middle English term 'abreggement', which came from the Old French word 'abregement', ultimately derived from the Latin 'abbreviamentum'. The concept of condensing or shortening written works has been practiced for centuries, with abridgments serving as useful tools for summarizing complex texts or legal documents.