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reduce
This word carries a sense of intentional subtraction or strategic scaling down. It is frequently used in professional, economic, and scientific contexts to describe a controlled decrease, such as reducing costs or reducing a sauce in cooking to intensify flavor. While similar to decrease, reduce often implies an external agent or a deliberate action causing the change. It suggests a goal of efficiency or optimization, whereas decrease can be a neutral observation of a downward trend.
Meanings
To make something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.
"The company decided to reduce its workforce to save money."
To simplify a fraction or a chemical compound to its simplest form.
"The chemist managed to reduce the compound to its basic elements."
To become smaller or less in size or amount.
"The swelling in his ankle began to reduce after two days."