French Conversation · Level 53
75 words
French word
réduire
Pronunciation
IPA/ʁedɥiʁ/
Meaning
- verbreduce
Example
Nous devons réduire nos dépenses.
We need to reduce our expenses.
More examples
Pour l'environnement, il faut réduire les émissions de CO2.
For the environment, we must reduce CO2 emissions.
Core concept
A setting or quantity is turned down from its current level, like a volume knob moved lower.
Common phrases
réduire la facture
reduce the bill
réduire les émissions
reduce emissions
Similar words
diminuer: To cause an amount or degree to decrease.
baisser: To bring an object or numerical value down to a lower level.
Definition in French
Ramener quelque chose à un état, une taille ou une quantité inférieure, parfois par suppression ou compression.
Word origin
The French verb réduire continues Old French reduire from Latin reducere, formed with re- and ducere, 'to lead', and later referring to making something smaller.
Usage tips
- Réduire de 20 % means make something 20% smaller, while réduire à 20 % means bring it down to 20% of its original amount.