Usage and Pronunciation of abridged

Teacher Gu's English Class

Overview Meanings Pronunciation Usage Practice

abridged

/əˈbrɪdʒd/
Adjective Literary term

Basic definition: Shortened while retaining the basic content

Etymology: From Middle English abreggen, from Old French abregier

📚 Core Meanings

Literary term

A shortened version of a written work

This is an abridged edition of the novel.
This version contains only the main plot.
Literature

Condensed form

Reduced in length while keeping essential elements

The abridged dictionary is more portable.
It includes only the most common words.
Publishing

Edited version

Content has been cut for brevity or simplification

The abridged audiobook is 3 hours shorter.
Some subplots were removed.
Media

"Abridged" is commonly used in publishing and media to indicate shortened versions of books, films, or other content while maintaining the core meaning.

🔄 Usage Comparison

English Examples

This is an abridged version of Shakespeare's works.

The abridged edition is more suitable for students.

I prefer the abridged audiobook for my commute.

Explanation

A shortened collection of Shakespeare's writings

The condensed version works better for educational purposes

The shorter audio version is more convenient for travel

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

British Pronunciation

/əˈbrɪdʒd/

uh-BRIJD (stress on "BRIJ")

American Pronunciation

/əˈbrɪdʒd/

uh-BRIJD (stress on "BRIJ")

Key Pronunciation Points:

Common Mistakes

  • Pronouncing as "a-bridge-ed" (should be /əˈbrɪdʒd/)
  • Putting stress on the first syllable
  • Omitting the final "d" sound

🎯 Common Collocations

abridged + version

Indicates a shortened form

abridged version
A condensed edition
Publishing

abridged + edition

Official shortened publication

abridged edition
The publisher's condensed version
Academic

abridged + dictionary

Compact reference work

abridged dictionary
Contains only essential entries
Reference

Grammar Notes

Base form: abridge (verb)
Adjective: abridged

⚠️ Common Confusions

Don't confuse:

An abridged version adds more content. (Incorrect)

Correct: An abridged version removes some content.

Abridged means expanded. (Incorrect)

Correct: Abridged means shortened or condensed.

✍️ Practice Exercises

Translation Practice

1. The abridged novel is half the length.
2. This abridged encyclopedia is more affordable.
3. Many students prefer abridged classics.

1. The shortened novel contains only the essential story.

2. The condensed encyclopedia costs less than the full version.

3. Simplified versions of classic literature are popular with students.

Pronunciation Practice

Repeat these sentences:

• The abridged version is popular. [əˈbrɪdʒd]
• This abridged edition saves time. [əˈbrɪdʒd]
• Abridged books are easier to read. [əˈbrɪdʒd]

Correction Exercise

Identify and correct errors:

1. An abridged book has more chapters.
2. Pronounced as "ay-bridge-ed"
3. Abridged means more detailed.

1. An abridged book has fewer chapters.

2. Pronounced as "uh-BRIJD"

3. Abridged means less detailed.