# abridged

/əˈbɹɪdʒd/ (US) · /ɐbɹˈɪdʒd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abridged
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

shortened by removing some parts while keeping the main meaning. You usually see this word used to describe books or plays that have been made shorter for a quicker read.

For teachers: shortened by condensing or omitting parts while maintaining the core narrative or argument. Often used to describe literary or academic texts modified for a specific audience.

## Examples

- I read the abridged version of the long novel.
- The publisher released an abridged edition of the biography to make it more accessible for younger readers.
- While the abridged recording captures the essential plot points, it lacks the rich character development found in the original thousand-page manuscript.

## Usage notes

- Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun like 'version', 'edition', or 'text'.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.