verb
reduce
rih-DOOS/rɪˈdus/
To decrease an amount or extent.
She reduces the height of the stack by removing several blocks.
Etymology
“Lead back” could mean restoring something to a former state. The sense of bringing something to an inferior condition or lower rank connects this image with making it less.
In context
we reduce the cost of teacher healthcare this year
More examples
- The new lights reduce energy costs by twenty percent.
- He reduced his speed to avoid slipping on the ice.
- Simmer the sauce until it reduces by half.
Forms
reduce · reduces · reduced · reducing
reduction noun — The act of making something smaller or less.