Reduce: meaning, definitions and examples

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reduce

 

[ rɪˈdjuːs ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

mathematics

Make smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.

Synonyms

decrease, diminish, lessen, minimize

Examples of usage

  • He had to reduce his spending.
  • We need to reduce the number of staff.
  • The company plans to reduce its workforce.
Context #2 | Verb

cooking

Cook (a sauce or other liquid) so that it becomes thicker and more concentrated.

Synonyms

concentrate, condense, thicken

Examples of usage

  • Simmer the sauce to reduce it.
Context #3 | Noun

fashion

A discount or decrease in price.

Synonyms

discount, markdown, price cut

Examples of usage

  • They are offering a 20% reduction on all items.

Translations

Translations of the word "reduce" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reduzir

🇮🇳 कम करना

🇩🇪 reduzieren

🇮🇩 mengurangi

🇺🇦 зменшувати

🇵🇱 zmniejszać

🇯🇵 減らす (へらす)

🇫🇷 réduire

🇪🇸 reducir

🇹🇷 azaltmak

🇰🇷 줄이다

🇸🇦 تقليل

🇨🇿 snížit

🇸🇰 znížiť

🇨🇳 减少 (jiǎnshǎo)

🇸🇮 zmanjšati

🇮🇸 draga úr

🇰🇿 азайту

🇬🇪 შემცირება

🇦🇿 azaltmaq

🇲🇽 reducir

Etymology

The word 'reduce' comes from the Latin word 'reducere', which means 'to lead back'. It was first used in the 14th century with the meaning of 'bring back to a former state'. Over time, the word evolved to also mean 'make smaller or less'. The mathematical use of 'reduce' to mean 'simplify or make smaller' dates back to the 16th century.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,231, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.