reduce
The company plans to reduce its carbon emissions by 30% next year.
The company intends to decrease its carbon emissions by 30% in the following year.
To make something smaller in size, amount, degree, or importance.
Eating less sugar can reduce the risk of diabetes.
Consuming less sugar can lower the likelihood of developing diabetes.
The recipe says to reduce the sauce by simmering it for 10 minutes.
The instructions indicate to thicken the sauce by boiling it gently for 10 minutes.
Commonly used in everyday and technical contexts (e.g., cooking, finance, health).
To bring someone or something to a lower or weaker state.
The scandal reduced his reputation to nothing.
The scandal completely destroyed his reputation.
Often implies a significant or negative change.
In chemistry, to add an electron to a molecule or atom.
Hydrogen is reduced to hydride ions in this reaction.
Hydrogen gains electrons to become hydride ions during this chemical process.
Used in redox reactions to describe electron gain.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid redundancy with 'down'
Do not use 'reduce down'—'reduce' already implies making smaller, so 'reduce the price' is correct, not 'reduce down the price.'
Gold Rule
Transitive vs. intransitive use
Use 'reduce' transitively when specifying what is being made smaller (e.g., 'reduce expenses'). Use intransitively for natural decreases (e.g., 'the pain will reduce over time').
Word Origin
From Latin *reducere* (to lead back), combining *re-* (back) + *ducere* (to lead). Entered English in the 15th century with the sense of 'bring back to a former state' before evolving to mean 'make smaller.'
Usage Notes
Used transitively (e.g., 'reduce the price') or intransitively (e.g., 'the swelling will reduce over time'). Avoid using 'reduce' when 'replace' or 'remove' is more accurate (e.g., 'replace sugar with honey' vs. 'reduce sugar').