Definition

A person who shortens a text or work by removing parts while keeping the main ideas.

Example

The abridger skillfully condensed the lengthy novel into a shorter version.

Conversation

Have you ever read a book that felt like an abridger was involved?

Yeah, I often wonder how much of the story gets cut out.

It can be frustrating, especially if you love the details.

I agree! Sometimes I prefer the unedited versions.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Abridger → It is formed from "ab-" (meaning away) and "ridgere" (from Latin "radere", meaning to scrape or shave). The word "abridger" refers to someone who shortens or reduces a text by scraping away parts of it.

Memory Tip

Think of someone 'removing' ('ab-') parts of a text by 'scraping' ('radere') it down to a shorter version — that's what an abridger does.

Visually Confused Words