Reducing
rɪˈdjuːsɪŋ
Definitions
3 meaningsTo diminish in size, amount, extent, or degree; lessen.
rɪˈdjuːsɪŋ
To make something smaller or less in size, amount, degree, or price.
The doctor advised him to start reducing his sugar intake.
💡 Simply: Reducing is like making something smaller, whether it's the amount of food you eat, the number of toys you have, or the price of a video game. You're bringing it down!
👶 For kids: Making something smaller.
More Examples
We are reducing the amount of waste we produce by recycling.
The store is reducing the prices of its winter clothes.
How It's Used
"The government is trying to reduce the national debt."
"Reducing the temperature will slow the chemical reaction."
To bring down to a lower level or rank.
rɪˈdjuːsɪŋ
To bring someone or something to a lower rank or position.
The budget cuts forced the company to reduce the number of employees.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, reducing means moving something or someone down to a lower level, like lowering the salary of an employee or demoting someone at their job
👶 For kids: To make something or someone go lower.
More Examples
After the scandal, the general was reduced to the rank of colonel.
They were forced to reduce their operating costs.
How It's Used
"The officer was reduced in rank for misconduct."
"The company was forced to reduce its workforce."
To change or convert (something) into a different form.
rɪˈdjuːsɪŋ
To convert or change something into a different form.
The chef is reducing the wine sauce to a glaze.
💡 Simply: Sometimes reducing means changing something into a different form. For example, reducing a sauce by boiling it, changing it from a liquid to a thicker, more concentrated form. Or the use of a chemical in an experiment.
👶 For kids: To change into something else.
More Examples
The chemist is reducing the metal to its elemental form.
Boiling reduces the amount of liquid in the mixture.
How It's Used
"Reducing agents are used to reduce other substances."
"Reduce the sauce until it thickens."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
reducing to ashes
To completely destroy or ruin something.
"The fire reduced the house to ashes."
From Middle English reducen, from Old French reduire, from Latin redūcere ('to lead back, bring back'), from re- ('back, again') + dūcere ('to lead').
The word 'reduce' has been used in English since the 14th century, originally with the meaning of 'to lead back' or 'bring back'. Its usage has expanded over time.
Memory tip
Imagine you are squeezing a balloon. The balloon is being reduced in size.
Word Origin
"to lead back, bring back"