Abridge is a word that is commonly used in the English language. It is used to describe the process of shortening a piece of writing or a speech without changing its meaning. The word abridge is often used in the context of literature or legal documents, where it is used to summarize a longer text. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of abridge, its origin, and its usage in different contexts.
Definitions
The word abridge is defined as “to shorten or condense a text or speech without changing its meaning.” It is often used in the context of literature, where a long book or story is condensed into a shorter version that is easier to read. Abridge can also refer to the process of summarizing a legal document, such as a contract or a law, for easier understanding.
Origin
The word abridge comes from the Old French word “abregier,” which means “to shorten.” The word was first used in English in the 14th century, and it has been in use ever since.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of abridge can vary slightly depending on the dictionary you consult. Here are some examples:
- Merriam-Webster: “to shorten by omission of words without sacrifice of sense”.
- Oxford English Dictionary: “to reduce in scope, extent, or duration”.
- Cambridge Dictionary: “to make a book, play, or piece of writing shorter by removing details and information that is not necessary”.
Associations
The word abridge is often associated with literature and legal documents. It is also associated with the idea of summarizing or condensing information for easier understanding. In some cases, abridge can have a negative connotation, as it may be seen as simplifying or dumbing down a complex text.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for abridge, including:
- Condense.
- Shorten.
- Summarize.
- Reduce.
- Cut.
- Abbreviate.
Antonyms
The antonyms of abridge include:
- Expand.
- Elaborate.
- Lengthen.
- Amplify.
- Augment.
The same root words
The word abridge shares its root with several other words in the English language, including:
- Bridge.
- Bridle.
- Brigadier.
- Brigade.
These words all come from the Latin word “briga,” which means “a fight” or “a quarrel.”
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use the word abridge:
- The publisher asked the author to abridge the book so that it would be more accessible to a wider audience.
- The lawyer abridged the contract so that her client could understand it more easily.
- The movie was an abridged version of the novel, with some of the subplots removed.
- The teacher asked the students to abridge the article they had read for homework and present a summary in class.
- The encyclopedia abridged the history of the world into a single volume.