# abridgement

/əˈbɹɪdʒmənt/ (US) · /ɐbɹˈɪdʒmənt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abridgement
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a shorter version of a long book or document. It contains the most important parts but leaves out the extra details.

For teachers: a shortened version of a text, typically omitting less essential details while retaining the core content. Often used in legal or academic contexts to refer to a condensed summary.

## Examples

- The abridgement of the novel is only half the length of the original.
- Lawyers often rely on an abridgement of the case law to quickly find relevant precedents.
- The editor's abridgement of the historical treatise was criticized for removing the author's subtle arguments in favor of a more digestible, though less nuanced, narrative.

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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.