To reduce means to actively make something less in size, amount, or intensity.
Mot en 30 secondes
- Make smaller in size, amount, or degree.
- Actively lessen or cut down on something.
- Common in contexts of cost, quantity, and waste.
Overview
The word 'reduce' is a fundamental verb in English, meaning to make something smaller or less in some way. This can apply to physical size, quantity, intensity, or even cost. It signifies a decrease or lessening of a particular attribute or state. Because it's a common and versatile word, understanding its nuances is key for effective communication, especially at the A2 level.
As a verb, 'reduce' typically takes a direct object, indicating what is being made smaller or less. For example, 'We need to reduce our expenses.' It can also be used with a prepositional phrase, often 'to', to indicate the resulting state, such as 'The swelling reduced to half its size.' In passive voice, it's common to say something 'is reduced', like 'The price was reduced by 10%.' The word is frequently used in contexts involving quantities, costs, and physical dimensions.
You'll often encounter 'reduce' in discussions about budgets and savings ('reduce spending,' 'reduce debt'), health and wellness ('reduce stress,' 'reduce calories'), environmental issues ('reduce waste,' 'reduce pollution'), and shopping ('reduce the price,' 'reduce the size'). It's a practical word used in everyday situations, from managing personal finances to making environmental choices.
While 'decrease' is a very close synonym, 'reduce' often implies a more active or intentional action to make something smaller. 'Lower' is similar but often refers to a position or level, like 'lower the blinds' or 'lower the temperature.' 'Diminish' suggests a gradual fading or becoming less important, which is a bit more nuanced than the straightforward action of 'reduce.' 'Shrink' usually refers to physical size becoming smaller, often due to heat or cold.
Exemples
We need to reduce our spending this month.
everydayNecesitamos reducir nuestros gastos este mes.
The doctor advised him to reduce his intake of sugar.
healthEl doctor le aconsejó que redujera su consumo de azúcar.
Can you reduce the volume of the music?
informal¿Puedes bajar el volumen de la música?
Researchers are working to reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing.
academicLos investigadores están trabajando para reducir el impacto ambiental de la fabricación.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
reduce to rubble
reducir a escombros
reduce to tears
hacer llorar
reduce the risk
reducir el riesgo
Souvent confondu avec
'Reduce' means to make something smaller or less. 'Induce' means to cause or bring about something, often a particular state or action. For example, you reduce stress, but you might induce labor.
'Reduce' means to make something smaller in general. 'Deduct' specifically means to subtract an amount from a larger amount, often money. For example, you reduce your expenses, but you deduct taxes from your income.
Modèles grammaticaux
How to Use It
Notes d'usage
The verb 'reduce' is very common in both spoken and written English. It is suitable for most contexts, from informal conversations to formal reports. Pay attention to the object of the verb; it is what is being made smaller or less.
Erreurs courantes
Learners sometimes confuse 'reduce' with words like 'induce' or 'deduct'. Ensure you understand that 'reduce' is about making something smaller or less, not causing it or subtracting a specific amount.
Tips
Think 'less' when you see reduce
When you encounter the word 'reduce', think about the concept of making something 'less'. This applies to size, amount, price, or even effort.
Avoid confusing with 'induce'
Don't confuse 'reduce' (to make less) with 'induce' (to cause or bring about). They have opposite meanings.
Environmental awareness often uses reduce
The concept of 'reduce, reuse, recycle' is a globally recognized environmental slogan. 'Reduce' here means consuming or producing less waste.
Origine du mot
The word 'reduce' comes from the Latin 'reducere', meaning 'to lead back' or 'bring back'. Over time, its meaning evolved to signify bringing something down to a smaller state or quantity.
Contexte culturel
In many cultures, efficiency and resource management are valued. The concept of 'reducing' waste, energy consumption, or costs aligns with these values and is often discussed in terms of sustainability and economic prudence.
Astuce mémo
Think of the 're-' prefix meaning 'again' or 'back', and 'duce' sounding like 'decrease'. So, 'reduce' helps you go 'back' towards 'less' or 'decrease'.
Questions fréquentes
4 questions'Reduce' often implies an intentional action to make something smaller, while 'decrease' can happen naturally or as a result of an action. For example, you reduce your speed by braking, but the temperature might decrease on its own.
Yes, 'reduce' can be used for abstract concepts like stress, risk, or workload. For instance, 'Exercise can help reduce stress.'
This phrase means to bring something down to a smaller or simpler state. For example, 'The fire reduced the building to ashes.'
Primarily, yes. It focuses on making something less in quantity, size, or intensity. It's about lessening something that is present.
Teste-toi
We need to ______ our electricity bill by turning off lights.
The sentence requires the base form of the verb after the modal verb 'to need'.
The company decided to ______ the price of the old models.
'Reduce' means to make something less, which fits the context of lowering a price.
price / the / was / the / sale / during / reduced
This sentence uses the passive voice correctly to show that the price was acted upon.
Score : /3
Summary
To reduce means to actively make something less in size, amount, or intensity.
- Make smaller in size, amount, or degree.
- Actively lessen or cut down on something.
- Common in contexts of cost, quantity, and waste.
Think 'less' when you see reduce
When you encounter the word 'reduce', think about the concept of making something 'less'. This applies to size, amount, price, or even effort.
Avoid confusing with 'induce'
Don't confuse 'reduce' (to make less) with 'induce' (to cause or bring about). They have opposite meanings.
Environmental awareness often uses reduce
The concept of 'reduce, reuse, recycle' is a globally recognized environmental slogan. 'Reduce' here means consuming or producing less waste.
Exemples
4 sur 4We need to reduce our spending this month.
Necesitamos reducir nuestros gastos este mes.
The doctor advised him to reduce his intake of sugar.
El doctor le aconsejó que redujera su consumo de azúcar.
Can you reduce the volume of the music?
¿Puedes bajar el volumen de la música?
Researchers are working to reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing.
Los investigadores están trabajando para reducir el impacto ambiental de la fabricación.
Quiz rapide
The shop decided to ___ the price of the shoes to sell them faster.
Correct !
La bonne réponse est : reduce
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