A2verb 1K

Reduce

🇬🇧 UK /["/rɪˈdjuːs/","/rɪˈdjuːsɪz/","/rɪˈdjuːst/","/rɪˈdjuːsɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/rɪˈduːs/","/rɪˈduːsɪz/","/rɪˈduːst/","/rɪˈduːsɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Reduce

to make something less or smaller in size, quantity, price, etc.; to become less or smaller in size, quantity, etc.

In simple words: Make something smaller in amount, size, or degree.

Reduce in a sentence

• The company plans to reduce its carbon footprint by using more sustainable materials.
• To stay healthy, it's important to reduce the amount of sugar in your diet.
• You can reduce stress by practicing mindfulness techniques.
• The recipe says to reduce the sauce until it thickens.
• To save money, many people look for ways to reduce their monthly expenses.

How to use Reduce

Use 'reduce' when talking about making something smaller or less in quantity. It can be used formally in reports or informally in everyday conversation. Avoid using it in contexts where the increase is intended.

Grammar pattern

reduce + object

Memory hint

Think of 'reduce' as taking something big and making it 'reduced' like a smaller size of soda.

Related words

Collocations with Reduce

• considerably
• dramatically
• drastically
• aim to
• attempt to
• seek to
• by
• in
• from
• an attempt to reduce something
• an effort to reduce something
• measures to reduce something

Synonyms for Reduce

• diminish
• lessen
• cut down
• decrease
• curtail

Opposites of Reduce

• increase
• expand
• enlarge

Common mistakes with Reduce

• Confused with 'deduce' which means to conclude or infer.
• Using 'reduce' without an object (e.g. 'reduce it' instead of directly stating what to reduce).
• Mistaking 'reduce' for 'reduction' in sentences.

Frequently asked questions about Reduce

What does Reduce mean?

Make something smaller in amount, size, or degree.

What is the definition of Reduce?

to make something less or smaller in size, quantity, price, etc.; to become less or smaller in size, quantity, etc.

How do you use Reduce in a sentence?

The company plans to reduce its carbon footprint by using more sustainable materials.

Can you give another example of Reduce?

To stay healthy, it's important to reduce the amount of sugar in your diet.

What are synonyms for Reduce?

Common alternatives include diminish, lessen, cut down, decrease, curtail.

What is the opposite of Reduce?

Opposite meanings include increase, expand, enlarge.

What words go with Reduce?

It commonly pairs with considerably, dramatically, drastically, aim to, attempt to, seek to, by, in, from, an attempt to reduce something, an effort to reduce something, measures to reduce something.

What are common mistakes when using Reduce?

Confused with 'deduce' which means to conclude or infer. Using 'reduce' without an object (e.g. 'reduce it' instead of directly stating what to reduce). Mistaking 'reduce' for 'reduction' in sentences.

How do you pronounce Reduce?

US: /["/rɪˈduːs/","/rɪˈduːsɪz/","/rɪˈduːst/","/rɪˈduːsɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/rɪˈdjuːs/","/rɪˈdjuːsɪz/","/rɪˈdjuːst/","/rɪˈdjuːsɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Reduce?

Use 'reduce' when talking about making something smaller or less in quantity. It can be used formally in reports or informally in everyday conversation. Avoid using it in contexts where the increase is intended.

What CEFR level is Reduce?

"Reduce" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.