reduce
Translation
to decrease, to lessen, to lower, to diminish
Examples
We need to reduce our spending.
We need to reduce our spending.
The shop reduced the price of the coat.
The store reduced the price of the coat.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to make (sth.) smaller or less We need to reduce our spending.
((sth.)) ((by sth.)) to lower the price of (sth.) by (an amount) The store reduced the price by 20%.
((sth.)) ((to sth.)) to change (sth.) to a simpler form Reduce the fraction to its lowest terms.
Similar Words
Synonyms: decrease, lessen, diminish; Antonyms: increase, expand, enlarge
Etymology
From Latin 'reducere', from 're-' (back) + 'ducere' (to lead). Literally 'to lead back'.
Memory Tips
Think of 're-duce' as 'leading back' the numbers on a scale to make something smaller or less.