ABRIDGEMENT Meaning and
Definition
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Abridgement refers to the process of condensing or shortening a written or spoken work while retaining its essential content and meaning. It involves reducing the original text to a more concise form by eliminating unnecessary details, examples, or explanations. The purpose of abridgement is to provide a summarized version that is more accessible and time-efficient for readers or listeners.
In literature, an abridgement can take the form of a summary, abridged edition, or shortened adaptation of a longer work such as a book, play, or epic poem. By selecting key elements and omitting less significant parts, an abridgement seeks to capture the essence and main ideas of the original source. Abridgements are commonly used in educational settings, enabling students to grasp the fundamental concepts without delving into the complete text.
Historically, abridgements played a crucial role in making literary works more accessible during a time when not everyone had access to complete texts. Moreover, abridgements have also found usage in legal contexts, being employed to condense complex legal documents or court cases into shorter, more comprehendible versions.
It is important to note that while abridgements provide a condensed version of a work, they should strive to maintain the integrity and coherence of the original. Abridging should be done with care, ensuring that crucial information and themes are properly conveyed and not distorted or lost in the process.
Common Misspellings for ABRIDGEMENT
Etymology of ABRIDGEMENT
The word "abridgement" has its etymology rooted in the Middle English term "abreggement", which came from the Old French word "abregiement". The Old French term was formed by combining the prefix "a-" (meaning "to, at, or in") with the verb "brege(r)" (meaning "to shorten"). "Brege(r)" itself derived from the Latin word "breviare", which means "to abbreviate or shorten". Ultimately, the Latin term can be traced back to the Latin adjective "brevis", meaning "short". Hence, the etymology of "abridgement" indicates its connection to the act of shortening or reducing something in length or extent.
Similar spelling words for ABRIDGEMENT
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