reduce
reduce Lexical Profile
reduce Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To make or become smaller or less in amount, degree, size, or price.
"The company implemented new software to reduce operational costs by twenty percent."
To bring someone or something into a specified, typically worse, weaker, or simpler state or condition.
"The sudden economic crisis reduced many formerly prosperous families to poverty."
To boil a sauce, stock, or other liquid so that water evaporates and the mixture becomes thicker and more concentrated in flavor.
"Simmer the balsamic vinegar and honey over medium heat until the glaze begins to reduce."
To change an expression, fraction, or complex problem into a simpler or more basic form without altering its value.
"Students were asked to reduce each fraction to its lowest common denominator."
To cause a substance to undergo a chemical reaction in which it gains electrons or loses oxygen, or to restore a dislocated bone or hernia to its proper anatomical position.
"The physician carefully manipulated the joint to reduce the dislocated shoulder."
• Rhymes for reduce
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Latin reducere ('to lead back, bring back, restore, or diminish'), formed from the prefix re- ('back') and ducere ('to lead').