Word: Abridge
Part of Speech: Verb
Basic Definition: To abridge means to make something shorter by reducing its length, but keeping the main ideas or important parts.
Usage Instructions: - Use "abridge" when talking about shortening written works, like books, articles, or speeches. - It often implies that while some details are removed, the essential meaning or message is still preserved.
Example Sentence: "The teacher asked the students to abridge their essays to fit within the word limit."
Advanced Usage: - "Abridge" can also refer to limiting rights or freedoms. For instance, a new law may abridge certain freedoms if it restricts what people can do or say.
Example in Advanced Context: "The government’s decision to limit internet access may abridge citizens' freedom of expression."
Word Variants: - Abridgeable (adjective): Capable of being shortened. - Example: "The lengthy report is abridgeable to focus on the key findings." - Abridgment (noun): The act of shortening something. - Example: "The abridgment of the novel made it easier for students to read."
Different Meanings: - While the primary meaning relates to shortening, "abridge" can also imply reducing or limiting in a broader sense, such as rights, privileges, or freedoms.
Synonyms: - Shorten - Reduce - Condense - Cut - Truncate
Idioms/Phrasal Verbs:There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs specifically using "abridge," but you might encounter phrases like "cut down on" or "trim down," which have similar meanings in the context of making something shorter or more concise.
Summary: To "abridge" something is to make it shorter while keeping the most important parts. It is often used in writing and can also refer to limiting rights.