What is reduction? Pronunciation and usage in English

reduction means . Learn how to pronounce and use reduction through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of reduction

reductionnoun

/rɪˈdʌkʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of reduction

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "reduction" in English. It can be tricky for non-native speakers! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Sounds:

  • "re": This sounds like "reh" – like the "re" in "red."
  • "duc": This is the trickiest part. It's a diphthong (a combination of two vowel sounds). It sounds like "duke" (as in, the prince) but shorter. Think of it as a quick glide from a slightly lower sound to a slightly higher sound.
  • "tion": This sounds like "shun" – like the "shun" in "sun."

2. Putting it Together:

Putting it all together, it sounds like: "reh-duk-shun"

3. Emphasis:

The main emphasis (the loudest syllable) is on the first syllable: "reh".

4. Here's a helpful breakdown and audio example:

  • Google it: The best way is to search for "how to pronounce reduction" on Google. You'll find many audio examples. Here’s one: https://www.youglish.com/search/%22reduction%22 – You can listen to it spoken in a real English conversation.
  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying it, and then compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.

Key things to remember:

  • Don't say "red-duction." The “duc” is vital.
  • Keep the “duk” short and quick. Don't stretch it out.
  • The "shun" at the end is straightforward.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (This can give me a sense of your native pronunciation patterns).

Usage and examples with the word reduction in English

Let's break down how to use the word "reduction" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and ways to be used. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (Referring to a Decrease)

  • General Decrease: This is the most common meaning. It refers to a lessening in size, amount, number, or intensity.

    • "There's been a significant reduction in air pollution in the city." (lessening of pollution)
    • "The company announced a reduction in staff due to economic difficulties." (lessening of employees)
    • "I noticed a reduction in my blood pressure after starting the new diet." (lessening of blood pressure)
    • “They experienced a reduction in sales last quarter.”

  • Price Reduction: This refers to a lower price offered on something.

    • “We’re offering a reduction on all summer clothing.” (a discounted price)
    • “There’s a reduction in the price of tickets for the weekend shows.”

  • Reduction in Taxes: A lowering of taxes.

    • “The government announced a reduction in income tax rates.”

  • Reduction in Complexity: A simplification of something.

    • "The software update involved a reduction in the number of steps needed to complete the task."

2. As a Verb (Meaning to Make Smaller or Less)

  • To Decrease: To make something smaller or less.

    • "The cost of the project was reduced by 10%." (The cost was made smaller.)
    • "The noise was reduced by closing the windows." (The noise was made less.)
    • "We need to reduce our carbon footprint." (We need to make it smaller/less.)

  • To Cut Down On: To decrease an amount of something you consume or do.

    • “I’m trying to reduce my sugar intake.” (I’m decreasing how much sugar I eat.)
    • "You should reduce the amount of time you spend on social media."

3. Phrases Using "Reduction"

  • Reduction in force: (Military) A lessening in the size of an army or military force.
  • Reduction in demand: (Business) A decrease in the desire for a product or service.
  • Reduction of risk: Decreasing the possibility of something bad happening.

Key Considerations & Tips:

  • Context is Crucial: The meaning of "reduction" changes depending on the context. Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand exactly what's being reduced.

  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms for variety and to avoid repetition: decrease, cut, lessen, diminish, lower, shrink.

  • Formal vs. Informal: "Reduction" is generally a more formal word than synonyms like "cut" or "lessen."

Examples Demonstrating Different Uses:

  1. Noun (Decrease): “The doctor prescribed medication to help him reduce his cholesterol levels.”
  2. Noun (Price): “Many restaurants offer lunchtime reductions on their menus.”
  3. Verb (Decrease): “The new insulation has reduced the amount of heat lost through the walls.”

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say? (e.g., a business proposal, a description of a scientific experiment, a casual conversation?)
  • Can you give me a sentence where you want to use "reduction"?

Synonyms for the word reduction

Practice with vocabulary reduction

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The latest economic report highlighted a significant ___________ in consumer spending during the last quarter.
  2. Effective risk ___________ strategies are crucial for project success in volatile markets.
  3. The city council approved a new policy aimed at a substantial ___________ of traffic congestion in the downtown area.
  4. There has been a noticeable ___________ in the number of active subscribers since the price increase.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (Select all that apply)

  1. To improve efficiency, the factory implemented new measures leading to a significant ______ in energy consumption. A. augmentation B. expansion C. reduction D. increase E. minimization

  2. The primary objective of the new educational program is the ______ of illiteracy rates in rural regions. A. propagation B. proliferation C. abatement D. reduction E. promotion

  3. Due to the budget cuts, the department announced a ______ of non-essential services until further notice. A. growth B. curtailment C. increase D. expansion E. enlargement

  4. Regular exercise and a balanced diet contribute to the ______ of stress and anxiety. A. exacerbation B. intensification C. alleviation D. aggravation E. worsening

  5. The company is committed to achieving a measurable ______ of its carbon footprint by 20% over the next five years. A. enlargement B. expansion C. increase D. reduction E. growth

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The government is determined to lower unemployment figures across the country. (Rewrite using a form of "reduction")
  2. Experts are proposing various methods to lessen the severity of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. (Rewrite without using "reduction" or its forms)
  3. The new software was designed to cut down on data processing time significantly. (Rewrite using a form of "reduction")

Answer Key

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The latest economic report highlighted a significant reduction in consumer spending during the last quarter.
  2. Effective risk mitigation strategies are crucial for project success in volatile markets.
  3. The city council approved a new policy aimed at a substantial reduction of traffic congestion in the downtown area.
  4. There has been a noticeable decline in the number of active subscribers since the price increase.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C. reduction, E. minimization
  2. C. abatement, D. reduction
  3. B. curtailment
  4. C. alleviation
  5. D. reduction

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The government is determined to achieve a reduction in unemployment figures across the country.
  2. Experts are proposing various methods for the mitigation of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure.
  3. The new software was designed for a significant reduction in data processing time.

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