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Alternative forms[edit]


First attested in 1494. From Middle English abrygement,[1] from Middle French abrégement.[2] Equivalent to abridge +‎ -ment.



abridgment ‎(plural abridgments)

  1. (US) The act of abridging; diminution; lessening; reduction or deprivation; as, an abridgment of pleasures or of expenses. [First attested from around (1350 to 1470).][2]
  2. (US) The state of being abridged or lessened.
  3. (US) An epitome or compend, as of a book; a shortened or abridged form; an abbreviation. [First attested from around (1350 to 1470).][2]
  4. (obsolete) That which abridges or cuts short; hence, an entertainment that makes the time pass quickly
    • What abridgment have you for this evening? What masque? what music? - Shakespeare, Midsummer Night's Dream, V-i
  5. (dated, law) Any of various brief statements of case law made before modern reporting of legal cases.

Usage notes[edit]

  • In current usage this spelling is about as common as abridgement in the US, but much less common in the UK.
  • Notes on near-synonyms:
    • An abridgment is made by omitting the less important parts of some larger work; as, an abridgment of a dictionary.
    • A compendium is a brief exhibition of a subject, or science, for common use; as, a compendium of American literature.
    • An epitome corresponds to a compendium, and gives briefly the most material points of a subject; as, an epitome of history.
    • An abstract is a brief statement of a thing in its main points.
    • A synopsis is a bird's-eye view of a subject, or work, in its several parts.


Related terms[edit]





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