Definition of Abridge
Quick Meaning of Abridge
To make something shorter by cutting out unnecessary parts, especially a book, article, or speech.
Detailed Definition of Abridge
To shorten a piece of writing, speech, or text by omitting parts or condensing content while retaining essential information and meaning.
How to Pronounce Abridge
Stress pattern: oO (2-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the second syllable: uh-BRIJ. The first syllable is unstressed schwa sound (uh), and 'dge' at the end sounds like 'j' in 'judge'.
Watch out: Learners sometimes stress the first syllable (A-bridge) or mispronounce the 'dge' as 'dj' sound. It should be: uh-BRIJ (like 'bridge' with 'a' prefix).
Origin and Etymology of Abridge
From Old French 'abregier' (to shorten). 'A-' (to) + 'bregier' (from Latin 'brevis' meaning 'short'). Entered English in 14th century with legal and literary meanings.
How to Use Abridge in a Sentence
Each example shows “abridge” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The publisher decided to abridge the biography, reducing it from 800 to 400 pages while preserving its narrative arc.”
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“Scholars often abridge historical documents to fit academic journal word limits.”
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“The film had to abridge the original novel significantly due to time constraints.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Abridge
Common Synonyms for Abridge
Smart Synonyms for Abridge — When to Use Each
- shorten
- More general; any reduction in length
- condense
- Emphasizes making more concise; can apply to style
- compress
- Emphasizes tight, efficient packing of information
Common Collocations with Abridge
These phrases pair with “abridge” in everyday English:
- abridge a book
- abridge a text
- abridge a novel
- abridge rights
- abridged edition
Common Mistakes When Using Abridge
Even fluent speakers slip up with “abridge”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The author abridged the book by the publisher.
- ✓ Correct: The publisher abridged the book. / The book was abridged by the publisher.
- Why: Use active voice with the agent (who did the action) as the subject. 'By the publisher' works only in passive voice with 'was abridged'.
- ✗ Wrong: They abridged the story from its original length.
- ✓ Correct: They abridged the story. / They reduced the story from its original length.
- Why: 'Abridge' already means to shorten, so don't repeat the idea. Just say 'abridged the story'.
- ✗ Wrong: This is a bridge edition of the novel.
- ✓ Correct: This is an abridged edition of the novel.
- Why: The adjective form is 'abridged' not 'bridge'. Always use the past participle as an adjective before nouns.
Other Forms of Abridge
- Noun: abridgement
- Verb: abridge
- Adjective: abridged
Frequently Asked Questions About Abridge
What is the meaning of "Abridge"?
To make something shorter by cutting out unnecessary parts, especially a book, article, or speech.
How do you pronounce "Abridge"?
The IPA is /əˈbrɪdʒ/. Stress the second syllable: uh-BRIJ. The first syllable is unstressed schwa sound (uh), and 'dge' at the end sounds like 'j' in 'judge'.
What part of speech is "Abridge"?
"Abridge" is a verb at C2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Abridge"?
Common synonyms include shorten, condense, compress.
How do you use "Abridge" in a sentence?
For example: "The publisher decided to abridge the biography, reducing it from 800 to 400 pages while preserving its narrative arc."