Definition

1. Adjective:
   • (of a text, book, or piece of writing) shortened by having parts omitted or condensed while retaining the main content and meaning. It describes a version that is shorter than the original, typically created for brevity or accessibility.

Usage

• The adjective "abridged" is used to describe written works, such as books, articles, or documents, that have been made shorter. It is often contrasted with "unabridged," which means the full, original version.
• It is commonly placed before the noun it modifies (e.g., an abridged edition) or used after a linking verb like "is" or "was."

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The students read an abridged version of the classic novel.
  • This dictionary is an abridged edition of the larger, more comprehensive work.
  • For the radio broadcast, they used an abridged script of the play.

Advanced Usage

• "heavily abridged": shortened to a significant degree, with many parts removed.
  • The children's book is a heavily abridged retelling of the epic saga.
• "slightly abridged": shortened only a little, with minor omissions.
  • The magazine published a slightly abridged version of the interview.

Variants and Related Words

• Abridge (verb): to shorten (a text, speech, etc.) by omitting parts without losing the sense.
  • The publisher asked the author to abridge the manuscript for a paperback release.
• Abridgment/Abridgement (noun): a shortened version of a larger work; the act of abridging.
  • This abridgment makes the legal text much easier to understand.
• Unabridged (adjective): (of a text) complete and not shortened.
  • I prefer listening to the unabridged audiobook.

Synonyms

• Condensed: made more concise.
• Shortened: reduced in length.
• Digest: a shortened version of a larger work, often a summary.

Antonyms

• Unabridged: complete, full-length.
• Complete: having all parts.
• Full-length: not shortened.

Adjective

1. (used of texts) shortened by condensing or rewriting
   • an abridged version