Reduce
/rɪˈdjuːs/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo make something smaller or less in size, amount, degree, or number.
/rɪˈdjuːs/
To make something smaller or less.
The chef reduced the sauce to thicken it.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have too much candy. To REDUCE it, you would eat some or give some away. You're making the amount smaller.
👶 For kids: To make something smaller or less.
More Examples
We need to reduce our spending.
The government is trying to reduce pollution.
How It's Used
"The company plans to reduce its prices to attract more customers."
"Doctors often advise patients to reduce their intake of sugary drinks."
To bring someone or something to a lower, weaker, or inferior state; to bring to a simpler form or make a simplification.
/rɪˈdjuːs/
To bring something to a lower or more basic state.
The lawyer was able to reduce the charges against his client.
💡 Simply: If you take a complicated math problem and solve it to its most simple form, you are REDUCING it.
👶 For kids: To change something so it is simpler.
More Examples
We need to reduce the problem to its core elements.
Boiling the sauce will reduce it to a thicker consistency.
How It's Used
"The chemist reduced the metal oxide to metal."
"Simplify the fraction and reduce it to its lowest terms."
Synonyms
Antonyms
Augment
Enlarge
Expand
Increase
Raise
Complicate
Develop
Enhance
Promote
Idioms & expressions
reduce to
To bring someone or something to a specified state or condition.
"The fire reduced the building to ashes."
From Latin *reducere* 'to lead back, bring back,' from *re-* 'back' + *ducere* 'to lead.'
Historically, 'reduce' has been used in both military and scientific contexts to describe lowering or simplifying something, often with connotations of bringing under control.
Memory tip
Think of a 'duce' like a decrease; to REDUCE is to decrease.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: reducere