Abbreviate vs Abridge: What's the Difference?
Abbreviate means to shorten a word or phrase (like 'Dr.' for 'Doctor'), while abridge means to condense a larger work like a book or speech while retaining the main ideas.
abbreviate
To shorten a word, phrase, or text by leaving out parts
"The deadline for submitting the paper was going to be abbreviated to just one day."
GRE
TOEFL
abridge
To shorten or remove parts of something, especially a document or writing
"The publishing company will abridge the novel for a younger audience."
SAT
GRE
TOEFL
How to remember
Abbreviate is about making individual words shorter. Abridge is about making entire works shorter while keeping the essential meaning.
Test tip
SAT passages may use 'abridged' when describing adapted versions of classic texts.