Réduire
Example: Nous devons réduire notre consommation d'énergie cette année.
Definition
"Réduire" means to make something smaller or less in size, amount, or degree. It often refers to decreasing quantities or intensity, such as reducing energy consumption or costs. For example, "Nous devons réduire notre consommation d'énergie cette année" means we must lower our energy use this year.
Etymology
The word "réduire" comes from the Latin verb "reducere," which combines "re-" meaning 'back' or 'again' with "ducere" meaning 'to lead.' So, it originally meant 'to bring back' or 'to lead back.' Over time, it evolved in French to mean 'to lessen' or 'decrease.' Did you know this root also gave rise to the English word 'reduce'?
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"Réduire" appears in the Vocaplus list "French - General - (B1) - set 6", containing 114 commonly used words.
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