reduce

Pronunciation: /ɹɪˈd(j)us/

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb cut down on; make a reduction in
  2. verb make less complex
  3. verb bring to humbler or weaker state or condition

Etymology

From Middle English reducen, from Old French reduire, from Latin redūcō (“reduce”); from re- (“back”) + dūcō (“lead”). See duke, and compare with redoubt.

In classic literature

Synonyms

cut down, cut back, trim, trim down, trim back, cut, bring down

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
decrease
Narrower (hyponyms)
quench, shave, slash, thin out, downsize, inflate

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