Abridgment: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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 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 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 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.