B1verbenvironmentmoneyhealth
US/rɪˈduːs/
UK/rɪˈdjuːs/
to make something smaller in size, amount, number or level
In context
Cycling to work helps reduce traffic and air pollution.
The shop reduced all prices by thirty percent for the holiday.
Getting enough sleep can greatly reduce the risk of heart disease.
Words that go with reduce
verb + noun
- reduce costsThe company is trying to reduce costs by using less paper.
- reduce the riskWearing a helmet reduces the risk of serious injury.
- reduce stressA short walk after lunch can reduce stress.
- reduce wasteBring your own bottle to reduce plastic waste.
adverb + verb
- greatly reduceOnline booking has greatly reduced waiting times.
- significantly reduceThe new filter significantly reduces noise.
verb + preposition
- reduce byPrices have been reduced by twenty percent.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The price of petrol reduced last month.Correct: The price of petrol fell (went down) last month.
Incorrect:
I want to reduce weight before the wedding.Correct: I want to lose weight before the wedding.