Abbreviating: meaning, definitions and examples

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abbreviating

 

[əˈbriv·iˌeɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

shortening words

Abbreviating refers to the process of shortening a word or phrase by omitting certain letters or syllables. This is commonly done to create a more concise representation of a term that is often used in speech or writing. Abbreviations can make communication faster and more efficient, especially in technical fields or casual conversations. Examples include 'info' for 'information' and 'TV' for 'television'.

Synonyms

condensing, contracting, shortening.

Examples of usage

  • He is abbreviating the report for easier reading.
  • Abbreviating common terms helps save space in texts.
  • They are abbreviating the long title to make it clearer.
  • She is abbreviating her notes for the class.
  • Abbreviating can lead to misunderstandings if not used carefully.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 'Abbreviate' comes from the Latin word 'abbreviare,' which means 'to make short.'
  • The prefix 'ab-' means 'from' or 'away', while 'breviare' means 'to shorten'.
  • The term has been used in English since the late 15th century.

Technology

  • In texting and online communication, abbreviating helps save time and effort, leading to the rise of acronyms like 'LOL' (laugh out loud).
  • Coding languages often use abbreviations to write functions more efficiently, reducing the amount of code needed.
  • Search engines employ abbreviations in algorithms to retrieve information quickly.

Literature

  • Many authors use abbreviations to enhance readability, making their work accessible to larger audiences.
  • Abbreviated forms appear in poetry to maintain rhythm and fit syllable counts.
  • Classic literature often employs abbreviations for common phrases to reflect the vernacular of the time.

Psychology

  • Using abbreviations can enhance memory retention by creating mental shortcuts, making it easier to recall complex information.
  • Studies show that mnemonic devices, which often use abbreviations, significantly improve learning efficiency.
  • The brain tends to remember simpler notions better; thus, abbreviated terms can help simplify and clarify complex ideas.

Pop Culture

  • In pop culture, abbreviations are popular in branding, such as 'NASA' for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
  • Television shows and movies frequently abbreviate titles for marketing purposes, like 'GOT' for 'Game of Thrones'.
  • Abbreviated phrases have become a cultural trend, with fans creating their own lingo to communicate swiftly.

Translations

Translations of the word "abbreviating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 abreviando

🇮🇳 संक्षिप्त करना

🇩🇪 abkürzen

🇮🇩 memendekkan

🇺🇦 скорочуючи

🇵🇱 skracanie

🇯🇵 省略する

🇫🇷 abréger

🇪🇸 abrevando

🇹🇷 kısaltma

🇰🇷 축약하는

🇸🇦 اختصار

🇨🇿 zkracování

🇸🇰 skracovanie

🇨🇳 缩写

🇸🇮 skrajšanje

🇮🇸 stytting

🇰🇿 қысқарту

🇬🇪 შეკვეცვა

🇦🇿 qısaltma

🇲🇽 abreviando

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,953, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.