What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
summarized
Example
Can you summarize the article in a few sentences? [summarize: verb]
Example
The summary at the beginning of the chapter provided a good overview of the main ideas. [summary: noun]
abridged
Example
I read the abridged version of the novel since I didn't have time for the full version. [abridged: adjective]
Example
The audiobook was an abridged version of the original play. [abridged: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Summarized is more commonly used than abridged in everyday language, especially in academic or professional contexts where summarizing information is a common task. Abridged is less common but is still used in literary contexts to refer to shortened versions of longer works.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between summarized and abridged?
Summarized is more formal than abridged, as it is often used in academic or professional contexts. Abridged is more informal and is typically used in literary contexts or when referring to popular adaptations of longer works.
