Abbreviation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ก
abbreviation
[ษหbriหviหeษชสn ]
Definitions
in writing
A shortened form of a word or phrase.
Synonyms
acronym, condensation, shortening.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| abbreviation |
Use this word when referring to a shortened form of a word or phrase created by omitting some letters or sounds.
|
| shortening |
This word is applied when discussing the act of making something shorter in length, duration, or extent. It can refer to words or other things like time or objects.
|
| condensation |
This term can be used in a more general sense, often in academic or scientific settings, to describe the process of making something shorter or more compact, which can include text, liquids, or gases.
|
| acronym |
This word is best used when the shortened form is created by taking the initial letters of a series of words and combining them to form a new word.
|
Examples of usage
- It is common to use 'etc.' as an abbreviation for 'et cetera'.
- Please write your full name, not just the abbreviation.
in organization names
A shortened form of a name, typically consisting of initials.
Synonyms
acronym, initials, shortening.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| abbreviation |
Used for a shortened form of a word or phrase, where some letters are typically dropped.
|
| initials |
Used when referring to the first letters of each word in a name or phrase. Often used to denote a person's name or a formal title.
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| acronym |
Used when creating a new word from the initial letters of a series of words. Common in organizations and technical fields.
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| shortening |
Used in both writing and speech to refer to the simplification or truncation of words. Common in everyday language.
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Examples of usage
- The company's abbreviation is 'IBM' which stands for International Business Machines.
- UNICEF is an abbreviation for United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund.
in measurement units
A shortened form of a unit of measurement.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| abbreviation |
When shortening a word or phrase to save space or time, often in written form.
|
| short form |
Typically used to refer to a simple or more concise version of a word or phrase, often in casual or spoken communication.
|
| code |
When referring to a system of words, letters, figures, or symbols used to represent others, particularly for secrecy or technical purposes.
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| symbol |
When using a character or sign to represent something else, common in mathematics, science, or general notation.
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Examples of usage
- The abbreviation for kilograms is 'kg'.
- Please remember to include the correct abbreviation for the units in your calculations.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Communication
- Abbreviations help save time and space in writing, especially in texts and online communication.
- They create a sense of familiarity and community; for example, terms like 'ASAP' and 'BRB' are widely recognized among friends and colleagues.
- In specialist fields like medicine or IT, abbreviations can streamline complex terminologies for easier understanding.
Pop Culture
- Famous phrases like 'LOL' (laugh out loud) and 'OMG' (oh my god) have become staples in everyday language.
- Comic book fans often use abbreviations like 'X-Men' instead of the full term for โXavier's School for Gifted Individualsโ.
- Various public figures and organizations frequently create catchy acronyms to promote awareness, like 'NASA' for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Science
- In the field of genetics, 'DNA' stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, simplifying a complicated term.
- Chemistry uses abbreviations extensively; for instance, 'Na' represents Sodium, derived from its Latin name 'Natrium'.
- Medical abbreviations like 'BP' (blood pressure) are crucial for efficiently communicating essential health information.
Literature
- Literary works often involve abbreviations; for instance, 'etc.' (et cetera) signifies additional items without listing them.
- Abbreviations can also create rhythm and flow in poetry, allowing poets to play with language creatively.
- Classic novels often feature characters using abbreviations in their letters or dialogues, illustrating social dynamics of the time.
Origin of 'abbreviation'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'abbreviare', which means to shorten.
- It first entered the English language in the 14th century, reflecting a long history of language simplification.
- The root 'brevia' in Latin means 'short', highlighting the core idea behind abbreviations.
The word 'abbreviation' comes from the Latin word 'abbreviatio', which means 'a shortening'. The concept of abbreviating words or phrases has been used throughout history to save time and space in written communication. Abbreviations are commonly used in various fields such as medicine, technology, and business to convey information concisely. The development of abbreviations has been influenced by the need for efficiency and the evolution of language.
See also: abbreviated.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #14,536, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.
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