Vocabulary in context
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Abridge
To shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
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Imagine This
A bridge is built so that transportation from one side to the other is shortened in duration.
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Sounds Like
uh-BRIDGE
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Looks Like
A bridge
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Remember This
A famous World War II film, A Bridge Too Far, centers on Allied paratroopers tasked with capturing bridges to speed up the war. Their success could have shortened the conflict.
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Other Forms
abridgedadjective
abridgingverb
abridgmentnoun
abridgementnoun
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Connect With
condense, compress, shorten, truncate, curtail, abbreviate
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Note
Abridge is commonly used with texts and speeches. Do not confuse with 'abrogate' (to abolish) or 'abrade' (to wear away).
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The editor decided to abridge the novel for publication in the magazine.
- The speaker agreed to abridge his talk to fit the 20-minute time limit.
Synonyms
condensecompressshortentruncatecurtailabbreviate
Antonyms
expandlengthenextend
Etymology
From Old French abregier 'to shorten', from Latin breviare 'to shorten', from breve 'short'.
Mnemonic
ABRIDGE sounds like 'a bridge'— imagine building a shorter bridge to connect two places, thereby reducing travel time.
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Reclusive
adjectiveAvoiding the company of others; preferring to live in solitude or seclusion.
Somber
adjectiveGloomy, dark, or serious in mood or appearance; not cheerful.
Ossify
verbTo become fixed and rigid in form or mind; to harden physically into bone, or figuratively to become inflexible in attitude or habits.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Truncate
verbTo shorten something by cutting off a part of it.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.
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