Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Condense Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

💧
Add to dictionary

condense

[kənˈdɛns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

to make something more concentrated

To condense means to make something more concentrated or stronger, usually by removing water or other liquid. It can also refer to making something shorter or more concise by summarizing or reducing it.

Synonyms

compress, concentrate, reduce.

Examples of usage

  • I need to condense this sauce by simmering it for a few more minutes.
  • The editor asked me to condense my article to fit in the magazine.
Context #2 | Verb

to compress or reduce in size

To condense can also mean to compress or reduce in size. This can apply to physical objects, such as condensing a gas into a liquid, or to information, such as condensing data into a smaller format.

Synonyms

compact, compress, shrink.

Examples of usage

  • The refrigerator condenses the water vapor into liquid.
  • I have to condense these files to save space on my hard drive.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, condensation occurs when gas turns into a liquid, like when steam forms water droplets on a cold surface.
  • Condensation is a key part of the water cycle, helping rain form from clouds.
  • The principle of condensing is used in refrigeration systems to cool and maintain low temperatures.

Literature

  • Writers often condense their ideas to create clearer and more engaging storytelling, making sure every word counts.
  • Condensing ideas can result in powerful poetry, where each word carries heavy meaning and emotion.

Daily Life

  • When making juice, condensing flavors by boiling can enhance the taste, making it richer.
  • Students condense their notes after class to summarize key points, making it easier to study.

Pop Culture

  • TV shows often condense lengthy story arcs into shorter episodes to maintain viewer interest.
  • Movie adaptations of books frequently condense complex plots to fit within a typical film length.

Origin of 'condense'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'condensare,' which means 'to thicken.'
  • The prefix 'con-' means together, and 'dense' suggests close together, reflecting the process of making something more compact.

The word "condense" originates from the Latin word "condensare", which means to make dense or to thicken. It has been used in English since the 15th century. The concept of condensation has been observed in various scientific fields, including physics and chemistry, where substances change from a gaseous state to a liquid state through condensation.

See also: condensable, condensation, condensed, condenser, condensing.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,519, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.