Definition

Noun: 1. A shortened version of a written work: An abridgment is a condensed or summarized form of a longer book, document, or text, created by omitting some parts while retaining the main content and meaning. 2. The act or result of making something shorter: The process of reducing the length of something, or the shortened form itself.

Usage

The word "abridgment" is used to refer to a condensed version of a longer written piece. It implies that the core ideas and narrative are preserved, but details, examples, or less critical sections are removed to create a shorter work.

Examples

• As a shortened version:
  • The student read an abridgment of "War and Peace" for the class assignment.
  • This is not the complete novel but an abridgment for younger readers.
• Referring to the act or result:
  • The abridgment of the lengthy report made it much more accessible to the public.

Advanced Usage

• Legal and Formal Contexts: In legal or formal writing, "abridgment" can refer to a summary or digest of case law or statutes.
  • The lawyer consulted an abridgment of common law precedents.

Variants and Related Words

• Abridgement: This is an alternative, equally correct spelling, more common in British English.
• Abridge (verb): To shorten (a book, film, speech, etc.) by omitting parts.
  • The film was abridged for television.
• Abridged (adjective): Describing a work that has been shortened.
  • She listened to the abridged audiobook.
• Unabridged (adjective): Describing a work that is complete and not shortened.
  • He preferred the unabridged edition of the dictionary.

Synonyms

• Condensation: A shortened form.
• Summary: A brief statement of main points.
• Digest: A methodically arranged collection of summaries.
• Précis: A concise summary of essential points.
• Synopsis: A brief outline or general view.

Antonyms

• Expansion: The action of becoming larger or more extensive.
• Elaboration: Addition of more detail.
• Unabridged version: The complete, full-length work.

Noun

1. a shortened version of a written work