Cut down: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this phrase when talking about reducing the quantity, amount, or size of something, often due to necessity or to improve a situation. It is often used in the context of personal habits, behaviors, or expenses.

• I need to cut down on sugar to improve my health.
• We decided to cut down on our monthly expenses.

Reduce is a versatile term used to talk about making something smaller or less in quantity, size, degree, or importance. It is widely applicable in both formal and informal contexts.

• We need to reduce our carbon footprint.
• The store reduced prices to attract more customers.

This word is formal and used when something becomes less in size, amount, or degree. It can apply to both gradual and planned reductions in various contexts, including data, temperature, and general reductions.

• The company reported a decrease in profits this quarter.
• The temperature is expected to decrease during the night.

Diminish is used when something is reduced in importance, size, or intensity, often implying that the reduction might be significant over time. It can carry a slightly negative connotation.

• Her enthusiasm for the project began to diminish after several setbacks.
• The sound of the music started to diminish as we walked away.

Lessen is used when something becomes less intense or severe. It often refers to emotional states, risks, or effects.

• Medication helped to lessen the pain.
• They took measures to lessen the impact of the crisis.

General term used for reducing the number of trees by cutting them, can also mean reducing something in quantity or size.

• They decided to cut down three old oak trees in the park.
• She needed to cut down on sugar to improve her health.

Emphasizes the action of cutting a tree with repeated, forceful hits, usually with an axe.

• He chopped down the tree with an axe in less than an hour.
• The team of workers had to chop down several trees to make space for the new building.

A more formal or technical term used for cutting down trees, often in a logging or forestry context.

• The loggers will fell the trees and transport the timber to the sawmill.
• To create the new trail, several large trees needed to be felled.

Refers to the action of removing all trees in an area, often for logging or development, usually seen as having a negative environmental impact.

• The company decided to clear-cut the forest to make room for agricultural land.
• Clear-cutting the entire hillside led to severe soil erosion.