reduce
rih-DOOS
/rɪˈdjuːs/
To make smaller or less in amount, degree, size, or intensity.
Focuses on lowering a measurable quantity or intensity.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'reducere', where 're-' means back and 'ducere' means to lead. Originally, it meant to bring back or restore to a former state, but over centuries in English, it shifted toward bringing down in quantity or degree.
Word relationships
- decrease: Decrease is a general term for becoming smaller, whereas reduce implies an intentional action to lower something.
- curtail: Curtail emphasizes cutting back abruptly or imposing limits.
- increase: Increase means to make larger or greater.
Commonly confused with
- deduct: Deduct means subtracting a specific amount, whereas reduce means making smaller generally.
Word family
- reduction (noun): The act or amount of reducing.
- reductive (adjective): Simplifying excessively or related to reduction.
Collocations
- reduce emissions
- reduce footprint
- reduce waste
- drastically reduce
Idioms & expressions
- reduce to tears
- reduce to ashes
Example sentences
- "Nations agreed to reduce methane emissions by thirty percent before the end of the decade." Environmental targets
- "Improving building insulation helps reduce energy consumption during winter months." Resource management
Memory hook
RE-DUCE = RE-turn to a smaller Size. Lead back to lower numbers.
When not to use
Do not use when talking about stopping completely; use 'eliminate' instead.
Fun facts
- In culinary terms, to 'reduce' a sauce means boiling off water to intensify flavor.
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