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abridge
/əˈbrɪdʒ/
shorten without losing meaning
The editor abridged the novel to make it suitable for young readers.
The editor shortened the novel while keeping its main ideas intact.
formal
To shorten a book, play, speech, or other written or spoken work by removing parts while retaining the main content.
The publisher abridged the original 500-page biography into a 200-page version.
The publisher condensed the biography by removing less important details.
Often used for works that are too long for their intended audience. Not to be confused with 'abbreviate' (shortening words) or 'truncate' (cutting off abruptly).
Law
formal
To reduce the scope or extent of something, such as rights or privileges.
The new law abridges the freedom of the press by imposing strict censorship.
The law limits press freedom through excessive control.
Common in legal contexts, often implying an unjust or excessive reduction.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'abbreviate'
'Abridge' refers to shortening a whole work (e.g., a book), while 'abbreviate' refers to shortening individual words or phrases (e.g., 'Dr.' for 'Doctor').
Gold Rule
Preserve core meaning
When abridging, ensure the main ideas, structure, and essence of the original work remain intact. The goal is conciseness, not distortion.
Word Origin
From Middle English *abreggen*, from Old French *abregier* (to shorten), derived from Latin *abbreviare* (to shorten), from *brevis* (short). The legal sense emerged in the 16th century.
Usage Notes
Abridge implies a careful removal of non-essential parts to make something more concise while preserving its core meaning. Avoid using it to mean 'to cut off abruptly' (use 'truncate') or 'to shorten words' (use 'abbreviate').
Word Breakdown
a-
to, toward (prefix)
prefix-bridge
short (from Latin *brevis*)
rootEnglish Dictionary