reduce
Translation
reduce, decrease, lessen, lower
Examples
We need to reduce our spending.
We need to reduce our spending.
The sauce was reduced to a thick glaze.
The sauce was reduced to a thick glaze.
He was reduced to begging for money.
He was reduced to begging for money.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to make (sth.) smaller or less. We need to reduce our spending.
((sth.)) ((from sth.)) ((to sth.)) to change (sth.) from one amount to another. They reduced the price from $50 to $40.
Similar Words
Synonyms: decrease, lessen, diminish; Antonyms: increase, expand
Etymology
From Latin 're-' (back) + 'ducere' (to lead). Literally 'to lead back' or 'bring down'.
Memory Tips
Think of 're-doing' something to make it smaller. To reduce is to make less of something.