English Reference
Noun

abridgment

n.
C1 Advanced abridg·ment UK spelling abridgments Law

n.a shorter version of a long book or legal document. It contains only the most important parts so you can read it faster.

n.a shortened version of a text or legal document, containing only the essential parts. Often used in legal contexts to refer to a summary of a statute or case.


SIMPLE

The abridgment of the long novel is much easier to read.

CONTEXTUAL

Law students often use an abridgment of the constitution to find specific clauses quickly during their exams.

COMPLEX

The legal team prepared a detailed abridgment of the evidence to ensure the judge could grasp the core facts of the case without being overwhelmed by minor procedural details.


First attested in 1494. From Middle English abrygement, from Middle French abrégement. Equivalent to abridge + -ment.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin frm abrégement
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Rare
Updated