condense - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
condense Word Meanings
- to make something denser or more concentrated
- to reduce in volume or mass
- to summarize an idea or text
condense Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
condense Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/kənˈdɛns/
US
/kənˈdɛns/
condense Word Etymology
con- (together) + dense (thick) → Latin 'condensare' → Old French → English. Imagine a sponge soaking up water until it's thick and full, showing the act of condensing.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Condense means to make something denser or more concentrated, to reduce its volume or mass, or to summarize a longer idea or text into a shorter form. In everyday use you might condense a report into a one page summary, a description into a few sentences, or a speech into key points. The common thread across senses is preserving essential meaning while shrinking size. Note that a physical sponge condenses by absorbing liquid and becoming thicker; in science, condensation relates to a phase change of gas to liquid, a related but separate idea. Learners often confuse condense with compress, which emphasizes squeezing together without necessarily preserving meaning.
Usage Reminders
- Keep the core meaning when you shorten. Use condense for summarizing, not just squeezing. Do not confuse with physical compression. Consider context: writing vs science. When you condense, try to preserve tone. Check that the main ideas survive.
Common Misconceptions
- Condense = compress; both imply squeezing without regard to meaning
- It only applies to liquids or gases
- To condense means to shrink something to a single word
- Confuse condense with 'dense' or 'condense' (spelling error)
- Condense always reduces to the smallest possible size
Thinking Differences
English speakers often connect condense with formal writing and precise gist; mistakes include over-zoning on brevity at the expense of nuance.
Learning Tips
- Practice both senses: condense for content and for physical ideas.
- Compare with compress and summarize to feel subtle differences.
- Use in writing: condense a paragraph into a tight summary.
- Notice context cues that signal summary vs reduction of volume.
- Keep a checklist of core ideas to retain when condensing.
- Read condensed texts to see how authors prioritize information.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the definition of 'condense'?
A.To take up more space
B.To make something thicker or denser
C.To remove all liquid
D.To make sound louder
Step 2: Usage
Identify the correct usage of 'condense' in a sentence.
A.She will condense the music to make it louder for the concert.
B.He decided to condense his vacation by adding more activities.
C.I need to condense this essay to meet the word count.
D.The artist will condense the sculpture to make it larger.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym for 'condense'?
A.Elongate
B.Expand
C.Compress
D.Increase
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'condense'?
A.Spread
B.Gather
C.Concentrate
D.Thicken
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where 'condense' would be used?
A.When reducing the length of a presentation by removing unnecessary slides.
B.When creating a large mural to decorate a wall.
C.When boiling down a sauce to intensify its flavor.
D.When buying more items to fill up a bag.
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