- Today's Word
Abridge
[uh-BRIJ]
Definition
- (verb) To shorten or condense something, typically a written work, while maintaining its core essence and meaning. It involves reducing the length of something without losing its essential content or main ideas.
Example
The publisher decided to abridge the lengthy historical novel for younger readers, cutting it from 800 pages to a more manageable 300 while preserving the main plot and key characters.
Fun Fact
“Abridge” comes from the Old French “abregier,” which derives from the Latin “abbreviare,” meaning “to make brief.” In medieval monasteries, the practice of abridging texts was considered a specialized art form. Monk-scribes were specifically trained in the skill of “abbreviatura” – the ability to shorten texts while preserving their meaning. This was particularly important when parchment was scarce and expensive. Interestingly, in the Middle Ages, there was a specific profession called an “abbreviator” at the papal court, whose job was to abridge official documents and papal bulls. These abbreviators developed a complex system of shorthand symbols called “notae,” some of which evolved into modern abbreviation conventions. The word gained renewed importance during the printing revolution of the 15th century, when printers needed to create condensed versions of books to make them more affordable for the general public. This practice led to the development of the first “Reader’s Digest” style publications, which specialized in abridged versions of longer works.
(adjective) Light, delicate, and translucent; so fine in texture as to be nearly transparent
The diaphanous curtains billowed in the breeze, letting the morning light pour softly into the room.
Diaphanous comes from the Medieval Latin diaphanus, itself from the Greek diaphanes — from dia (“through”) + phainein (“to show” or “to appear”). It entered English in the early 17th century, originally used to describe fine fabrics and minerals that allowed light to pass through them visibly.