abridged
Shortened while retaining the essential elements
Examples
In a meeting
“I'll send you an abridged version of the report with just the key findings.”
Over coffee
“I listened to the abridged audiobook since the full version was 40 hours.”
Why this word
shortened
abridged specifically means condensed while retaining essential content, shortened just means made less long
reduced
abridged implies careful editing of a text or work, reduced is generic about any decrease
summarized
abridged preserves the original structure in condensed form, summarized creates a new brief account
Usage tip
Use when referring to condensed versions of documents, books, or content that maintain core information.
Etymology
From 'abridge' via Old French 'abregier' from Latin 'abbreviare' meaning 'to shorten'
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Related words
dilute
To make weaker by adding something or spreading too thin
takeaway
The main point or lesson to remember
recap
To briefly summarize main points
dissipate
To gradually disappear or scatter
curtailment
The action of reducing or limiting something
retrench
Reduce costs or expenditures, especially by cutting back operations