reduce

re-duce · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    Make smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.

  2. 2.

    Bring to a particular state or condition.

  3. 3.

    (Chemistry) Cause to combine with hydrogen or lose oxygen.

  4. 4.

    (Cooking) Make a sauce thicker by boiling.

  5. 5.

    Simplify something to a more basic form.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    reduce to — Bring to a particular state.
  • •
    reduce by — Decrease by a certain amount.
  • •
    reduced circumstances — A state of poverty after being wealthy.
  • •
    reduce, reuse, recycle — Environmental slogan.

Related words

Antonyms: expand, increase, raise
See also: decrease, diminish, increase, lower
Synonyms: cut, decrease, diminish, lower

Etymology

From Latin reducere ("to lead back, bring back, restore"), from re- ("back") + ducere ("to lead").