Reduction
rɪˈdʌkʃən
Definitions
3 meaningsThe process of decreasing something, either in size, amount, degree, or value.
rɪˈdʌkʃən
The action or fact of making something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.
The government announced a tax reduction.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to save money. A 'reduction' is like when the store has a sale, and the price is reduced—it's cheaper! Or maybe you're baking a cake and have to use a smaller amount of sugar; that's also a reduction.
👶 For kids: When something gets smaller or less, it's a reduction! Like if you have too many toys, and you put some away, that's a reduction.
More Examples
There has been a significant reduction in crime rates.
The diet resulted in a noticeable reduction in her weight.
How It's Used
"The company announced a reduction in prices."
"The reduction of a fraction to its simplest form."
"The reduction of chromosome number during meiosis."
The act of bringing something to a lower or less desirable state.
rɪˈdʌkʃən
The action of bringing something to a lower or inferior state or condition.
The reduction of the building to rubble was a tragic event.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, 'reduction' can mean making something less complicated or bringing something down from its highest point. For instance, if you're trying to 'reduce' your stress, you might try a relaxing activity.
👶 For kids: Sometimes reduction is making something less important, like when you reduce a messy room to a clean one.
More Examples
The company's strategy focused on the reduction of risk.
His actions led to the reduction of his reputation.
How It's Used
"The reduction of the enemy forces was a strategic victory."
"The reduction of stress through meditation."
A chemical process where a substance gains electrons, resulting in a decrease in its oxidation state; the opposite of oxidation.
rɪˈdʌkʃən
The action of something being reduced in chemistry or related sciences.
The reduction of ferric ions to ferrous ions is a common reaction.
💡 Simply: In chemistry, 'reduction' is like when a chemical gains a little extra something (electrons) that change it a bit. It's a special kind of chemical reaction.
👶 For kids: Sometimes, in science, reduction is when something gets a special helper to become different.
More Examples
The reduction of atmospheric pollutants is a goal of environmental science.
The process of photosynthesis involves the reduction of carbon dioxide.
How It's Used
"The reduction of copper oxide with hydrogen yields copper metal."
"The reduction of NAD+ to NADH during glycolysis."
Synonyms
Antonyms
Augmentation
Enlargement
Escalation
Expansion
Increase
Elevation
Enhancement
Improvement
Oxidation
From Latin *reductio* ('a leading back'), the noun of action from *reducere* ('to lead back, bring back, diminish'), from *re-* ('back') + *ducere* ('to lead').
The word 'reduction' has been in use since the 14th century, originally referring to the act of bringing something back to a previous state or form, later expanding to include diminishment.
Memory tip
Think of 're-duce,' meaning to bring down or lessen. A reduction is the outcome of that action.