reduction

/rɪˈdʌkʃən/
nounIntermediate
general

the act of making something smaller in size, amount, or degree

The diet led to a significant reduction in body weight.

The diet caused a noticeable decrease in weight.

💡

Often used in contexts like weight loss, expenses, or workforce.

general

a decrease in the intensity, volume, or level of something

Turn the volume down for a reduction in noise.

Lower the volume to make the sound quieter.

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Common in audio, lighting, or stress management contexts.

general

a simplified or condensed version of something

The summary was a reduction of the original 50-page report.

The summary shortened the original long report.

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Used in writing, data, or information contexts.

Collocations

reduction ina decrease in something specificreduction ofa decrease in something specificsignificant reductiona noticeable or important decrease

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

reduction in forcephrase
a decrease in the number of employees
reduction to practicephrase
the implementation of an invention

💡Pro Tip

Common Collocations

'Reduction in' and 'reduction of' are the most common collocations. Use them to specify what is being decreased.

Gold Rule

Formal vs. Informal

In formal contexts, 'reduction' is preferred over 'cut' or 'lowering'. In informal contexts, all are acceptable.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English *reduccioun*, from Old French *reduccion*, from Latin *reductio* ('a leading back'), from *reducere* ('to lead back').

📝Usage Notes

The word 'reduction' is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, often in business, finance, and everyday language to describe a decrease in size, amount, or intensity.

Word Breakdown

re-
back
prefix
+
-duct
lead
root
+
-ion
the act of
suffix
English Dictionary