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to streamline

to streamline

41 4.1
Make a process or system simpler and more efficient
  • verb
  • /ˈstriːmlaɪn/
translation icon : racionalizar
  • We're helping experimental scientists to streamline their discovery process.
  • streamline the process
  • efforts to streamline
  • streamline procedures

We're helping experimental scientists to streamline their discovery process.

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Examples

  • We need to streamline the approval process to make it faster.

  • The ILS uses an open architecture and automated search tools to streamline retrieval and workflow.

    Academic text (1999)
  • So this, I think is going to streamline a bunch about my process.

  • You have the ability to streamline construction.

  • But I need to streamline some sort of system in here because it is out of control.

  • The only reason they give for this is to streamline the statistics release.

  • But now a number of new applications are helping to streamline the ordering process.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The most impressive sign of his determination was a law to streamline the permit process for residential construction.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Supply increased as the process of obtaining federal coal leases was streamlined and new mines were opened.

    Academic text (1998)
  • The new software will help to streamline the inventory management process.

Synonyms

to optimize
vsto streamline
69 5.3

Make something work as well as possible

design or simplify processes to improve efficiency generally rather than reach absolute best
to reorganize
vsto streamline
43 3.4

To change the way something is arranged to make it work better

design or simplify processes to make them simpler and more efficient rather than just change order
to rationalize
vsto streamline
  • Jargon
3 5.5

Make a system or process work better by removing extra parts

design or simplify to improve efficiency but not focused only on cutting parts
to methodize
vsto streamline
7.5

To arrange things in a clear, ordered way for easy use

design or simplify to cut steps and improve efficiency rather than only put into routine

Antonyms

101 4.1

To make something harder to understand or do

Phrasal Verbs

To make the way people plan and do projects simpler and faster

Compounds

streamline flow
  • Specialized
5.2

A steady flow of a liquid or gas where speed stays the same at every point

How Efficient

overhaul
73 5.1
to optimize
69 5.3
to streamline
41 4.1
to rationalize
  • Jargon
3 5.5
to simplify
99 2.5

Surface Forms

streamline infinitive
streamlined past participle
streamlining present participle
streamlines third person singular

Morphology

streamline = stream + line (semi-transparent) = stream + line

The compound parts 'stream' + 'line' are identifiable, but the sense 'make more efficient' is a metaphorical extension from the aerodynamic meaning and not fully predictable for B1 learners.

Etymology

The word streamline comes from the idea of giving something the smooth shape of a stream and a straight line so air or water can 'flow' past it easily. That's why to streamline a process means to make the work 'flow' more smoothly and take less time.