ENGLISH
REFERENCE

distilled

adj.
C1 Advanced US //dɪˈstɪɫd// UK //dɪstˈɪld// dis·tilled

adj. describing something that has been simplified to its most important parts. It can also describe a liquid that has been purified by boiling it and cooling the steam.

adj. Refers to the essence of an idea or text after removing superfluous details; also describes a substance purified through evaporation and condensation. Often used as a participial adjective in both literal and figurative contexts.


SIMPLE

The book provides a distilled version of the complex history.

CONTEXTUAL

After hours of debate, the committee presented a distilled set of recommendations that addressed the core concerns of the staff.

COMPLEX

The poet's work offers a distilled reflection on grief, stripping away narrative artifice to leave only the raw emotional resonance of the experience.

Synonyms
Usage

Often used as a participial adjective before a noun; in its figurative sense, it frequently pairs with 'essence' or 'version'.

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