abridgment

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Contents

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

Middle English abregement < Middle French see abridge.

[edit] Noun

Singular
abridgment

Plural
abridgments

abridgment (plural abridgments)

  1. The act of abridging, or the state of being abridged; diminution; lessening; reduction or deprivation; as, an abridgment of pleasures or of expenses.
  2. An epitome or compend, as of a book; a shortened or abridged form; an abbreviation.
  3. (obsolete) That which abridges or cuts short; hence, an entertainment that makes the time pass quickly
    • What abridgment have you for this evening? What masque? what music? - Shakespeare, Midsummer Night's Dream, V-i

[edit] Synonyms

  • compendium, epitome, abstract, synopsis, précis
  • An abridgment is made by omitting the less important parts of some larger work; as, an abridgment of a dictionary.
  • A compendium is a brief exhibition of a subject, or science, for common use; as, a compendium of American literature.
  • An epitome corresponds to a compendium, and gives briefly the most material points of a subject; as, an epitome of history.
  • An abstract is a brief statement of a thing in its main points.
  • A synopsis is a bird's-eye view of a subject, or work, in its several parts.

[edit] Translations