# reduced

/ɹəˈdust/ (US) · /ɹɪdjˈuːst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reduced
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. smaller or less

adjective · CEFR B1

made smaller in size, amount, or degree.

For teachers: diminished in size, amount, or intensity compared to a previous state.

- The doctor recommended a reduced salt diet to help lower his blood pressure.
- The company operated with a reduced staff during the summer months, leading to longer response times for customer enquiries.

### 2. cheaper

adjective · CEFR B1

sold at a lower price than usual.

For teachers: offered at a lower price; discounted from the original retail value.

- I bought this winter coat at a reduced price during the January sales.
- The supermarket marks down perishable items to a reduced price late in the evening to prevent food waste.

### 3. concentrated liquid

adjective · CEFR B2

a liquid, like a sauce, that has been boiled to make it thicker and stronger.

For teachers: referring to a liquid that has been concentrated by boiling to evaporate water content.

- Drizzle the reduced balsamic vinegar over the salad for extra flavour.
- The chef finished the dish with a reduced red wine glaze, providing a rich contrast to the roasted vegetables.

## Examples

- I reduced the sauce until it was thick enough to coat a spoon.
- After removing the meat from the pan, add a splash of wine and let it reduce by half to create a rich glaze.
- The chef instructed the apprentice to reduce the veal stock slowly over a low flame, ensuring the impurities were skimmed off to maintain a clear and glossy finish.

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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.
