Reduce

/rɪˈdjuːs/

Meaning & Definition

verb
To make smaller in size, amount, or degree.
We need to reduce the amount of plastic waste we produce.
To decrease in quantity or intensity.
The company aims to reduce emissions by 20% over the next five years.
To cause (something) to be less in size or importance.
The therapist helped her learn how to reduce her anxiety.
To simplify or condense; to bring to a more basic form.
He tried to reduce the complex problem into simpler parts.
To diminish or lessen; to decrease.
Eating healthy foods can help reduce the risk of various diseases.

Etymology

From Latin 'reducere', meaning 'bring back'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

reduce to
To simplify or condense something to its essential elements.
reduce the risk
To lessen the chance of something undesirable occurring.
reduce costs
To lower expenses in a budget.

Related Words

reduction
The act of making something smaller or less.
reductive
Tending to reduce something, often oversimplifying.
reducible
Capable of being reduced.

Slang Meanings

Slim down
I need to slim down before summer starts.
Cut back
We're going to cut back on expenses next month.