Flattening: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when making something level or making surfaces even. It is often used in the context of physical objects or technical processes.

• The workers are flattening the ground to build the new playground
• The software is flattening the data structures for better analysis

Used when making something easier to understand or less complicated, generally applicable to instructions, processes, or systems.

• The new user interface focuses on the simplification of complex tasks
• The teacher's role includes the simplification of complex concepts for students

Used when reorganizing or changing the structure of something, often in a business, organizational, or financial context.

• The company is undergoing restructuring to improve efficiency
• The government announced a restructuring of the healthcare system

Used when making a system more efficient and effective by removing unnecessary elements or steps, often used in business or operational contexts.

• The management is streamlining the production process to reduce costs
• Streamlining customer service procedures has improved overall satisfaction

Used when making something flat or more level, often in cooking or construction.

• She is flattening the dough for the pie crust
• The workers are flattening the ground before laying the concrete

Implies hitting something hard with repeated force, can have a negative connotation if referring to hitting someone.

• The chef pounds the meat to make it tender
• He could hear the rain pounding against the window

Specifically used in cooking to make meat softer and easier to eat.

• You should tenderize the steak before grilling it
• Using a marinade can help tenderize tough cuts of meat

Typically used when vigorously mixing or hitting something repeatedly, often in cooking or music.

• You need to beat the eggs until they are frothy
• The drummer beats the drums with great enthusiasm