trim

[trɪm]

trim Definition

  • 1make (something) neat or of the required size or form by cutting away irregular or unwanted parts.
  • 2decorate (something), especially with contrasting items or pieces of material.
  • 3reduce the size, amount, or number of (something, typically expenditure or costs).

Using trim: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "trim" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    She trimmed the bushes to give them a neat appearance.

  • Example

    The dress was trimmed with lace and pearls.

  • Example

    We need to trim our expenses to stay within budget.

  • Example

    He trimmed his beard before the job interview.

  • Example

    The company is planning to trim its workforce by 10%.

trim Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with trim

  • to reduce the size or amount of something

    Example

    I'm trying to trim down my wardrobe by donating clothes I don't wear anymore.

  • to adjust the sails of a boat in order to sail more efficiently

    Example

    The captain asked the crew to trim the sails to catch more wind.

  • to remove unnecessary or unwanted parts of something in order to make it more efficient or effective

    Example

    The manager decided to trim the fat from the company's budget by eliminating non-essential expenses.

Origins of trim

from Middle English 'trimmen', meaning 'to prepare, make ready'

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Summary: trim in Brief

The verb 'trim' [trɪm] means to make something neat or of the required size or form by cutting away irregular or unwanted parts. It can also mean to decorate something or reduce the size, amount, or number of something. Examples include 'She trimmed the bushes to give them a neat appearance' and 'We need to trim our expenses to stay within budget.' Phrases like 'trim down' and 'trim the sails' extend the meaning to reducing size or adjusting sails for efficiency.

How do native speakers use this expression?