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Reduce: Definition, Common Uses & Synonyms (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：decrease (reduce)
reduce
/rɪˈdjuːs/
v.
To make something smaller in amount, size, or degree.
decrease
➕
/dɪˈkriːs/
v.
To make something less in amount, size, or intensity.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'reducere' ('re-' back + 'ducere' to lead), meaning to bring back or make less.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine reducing sugar to reduce weight – a simple health tip for memory.
📖 Example
To stay healthy, she decided to reduce her sugar intake.
She chose to lower her sugar consumption for better health.
🔗 Collocations
reduce costs – To lower expenses or expenditures.
reduce weight – To decrease body mass through diet or exercise.
reduce stress – To lessen mental or emotional pressure.
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'reducere', entering English via Old French. Commonly used in modern sustainability movements like 'reduce, reuse, recycle' to promote environmental responsibility.
Meaning 2：simplify (reduce)
reduce
/rɪˈdjuːs/
v.
To change something complicated into a simpler or more basic form.
simplify
➕
/ˈsɪmplɪfaɪ/
v.
To transform a complex system or process into a more basic or manageable form.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The new software update helps reduce a 10-step process to just 3 clicks.
The software update streamlines a multi-step task into three simple actions.
🔗 Collocations
reduce complexity – To make a complicated situation easier to understand or handle.
reduce to essentials – To strip something down to its most important elements.
reduce steps – To decrease the number of actions required in a process.
🔄 Synonyms
simplify (v.) – To make something easier or less complex.
streamline (v.) – To improve efficiency by removing unnecessary parts.
condense (v.) – To make something more concise or compact.
🚫 Antonyms
complicate (v.) – To make something more complex or difficult.
elaborate (v.) – To add more detail or complexity.
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