Reduce Meaning
Reduce Definition & Usage
To make something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.
Examples
- "I need to reduce my expenses if I want to save money for the trip."
- "They are working to reduce the amount of plastic waste in the ocean."
- "The company has decided to reduce its workforce by 10% to improve profitability."
- "His doctor advised him to reduce his sugar intake for better health."
- "The store has reduced the price of all its summer clothing."
To make something simpler or more concise.
Examples
- "Please reduce your report to just three key points for the presentation."
- "We need to reduce the text on the flyer so it is easier to read."
- "Can you reduce this complex argument into a few bullet points?"
- "The editor asked me to reduce the manuscript to fit within the 10,000-word limit."
- "They tried to reduce the problem to its simplest form."
To lessen or diminish the intensity or force of something.
Examples
- "The rain began to reduce in intensity after an hour."
- "Her anger started to reduce when she heard the full story."
- "The doctor prescribed medication to reduce the pain."
- "Efforts to reduce the spread of the disease have been successful."
- "The heat reduced as the sun began to set."
Cultural Context
The word 'reduce' has been in use since the Middle Ages, derived from the Latin word 'reducere', meaning 'to bring back'. It has retained its broad application across various domains, especially in the modern era, where concerns over health, the environment, and sustainability dominate much of the discourse around 'reduction'.
The Cost of Change
Story
The Cost of Change
Mia sat at her desk, staring at the spreadsheet in front of her. Her company had been struggling to make a profit in the past year, and the management had been brainstorming ways to reduce costs. Mia's task was simple, yet daunting: find areas where the company could reduce its expenses without compromising quality. As the financial director, her job was to analyze every department and pinpoint opportunities for reduction. She was considering all options, from reducing staff to cutting back on office supplies. The idea of reducing the workforce was unsettling, but the reality of the company's finances meant that drastic measures might be necessary. 'Maybe we could reduce the office space,' Mia thought, 'or find a way to reduce overhead by shifting to remote work.' At home, Mia's thoughts turned to her health. She had been feeling stressed lately, and her doctor had advised her to reduce her caffeine intake. The constant rush of work and personal commitments had her on edge, and she realized that reducing her reliance on coffee could help ease her anxiety. As she sipped her morning coffee, she made a decision to reduce her intake gradually. It wouldn’t be easy, but it was a small change that could make a big difference. The next day at work, Mia met with her team to discuss her findings. 'We've identified several ways to reduce our costs, including negotiating better rates with suppliers and reducing unnecessary spending on non-essential items. But we also need to reduce the scope of some projects to stay within budget.' She could feel the weight of the decision, but she knew that it was a necessary step for the company's survival. By the end of the week, Mia felt a sense of accomplishment. The company's financials were looking better, and the pressure was starting to reduce. However, she hadn’t forgotten about her own personal goal of reducing stress. A weekend getaway was on the horizon, and she was determined to reduce her workload during that time. With some careful planning, she would be able to balance both work and well-being. The story of Mia's journey was a reminder that the act of reducing isn't just about making things smaller—sometimes it’s about making room for something more meaningful.
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