reducing
|re/duc/ing|
🇺🇸
/rɪˈdusɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/rɪˈdjuːsɪŋ/
(reduce)
make smaller
Etymology
'reduce' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'reducere,' where 're-' meant 'back' and 'ducere' meant 'to lead.'
'reducere' transformed into the Old French word 'reducir,' and eventually became the modern English word 'reduce' through Middle English.
Initially, it meant 'to lead back,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to make smaller or less.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to make something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.
The company is reducing its workforce to cut costs.
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Antonyms
Verb 2
to bring someone or something to a lower or weaker state.
The illness reduced him to a shadow of his former self.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35