abridged
Americanadjective
-
(of a book, document, presentation, etc.) shortened by omitting less important parts while retaining the basic content.
I didn't realize it was an abridged audiobook until I was surprised by how fast it was over.
-
reduced or lessened in duration, scope, authority, etc.; diminished or curtailed.
Any time anyone's opportunity to vote is hampered, we need to do whatever we can to see that those abridged rights are faced, challenged, and changed.
verb
Etymology
Origin of abridged
Explanation
An abridged version of a book is a shortened version: it's not complete because parts have been cut or omitted. Sometimes you have time to read all of something, but other times you don't. When you need to save time, you might need to look at an abridged version of a book. This is also called the "Reader's Digest version" of something, because that magazine publishes many abridged pieces. Reading an abridged text may save time, but don't kid yourself: the stuff left out was important too. If you really like an author, forget the abridged version and read the whole thing.
Vocabulary lists containing abridged
"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak, Part Eight
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The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl
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Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Last week, the Sacramento news site Abridged reported that some Latin American farmers and chefs had decided to stay home, despite initially wanting to be part of the event.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 23, 2025
Abridged versions were posted to the company’s Instagram and X accounts.
From Slate • Jul. 23, 2024
Abridged in a single volume in 2009, this week heading Amazon's Thatcher best seller list.
From The Guardian • Apr. 9, 2013
More from With Coronation Street – Abridged: Live! the soap is set to hit the stage Carrie Dunn: Coronation Street is perfect for theatre - which other shows should tread the boards?
From The Guardian • Dec. 12, 2010
Abridged and edited by Mabel E. Wharton. 12mo.
From Literature for Children by Lowe, Orton
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
