Abbreviations: meaning, definitions and examples

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abbreviations

 

[ əˌbriː.viˈeɪ.ʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in business

Abbreviations are shortened forms of words or phrases. They are commonly used in business to save time and space.

Synonyms

acronyms, contractions, shortenings

Examples of usage

  • Please provide a list of abbreviations commonly used in this industry.
  • Make sure to include the abbreviations for all the key terms in the report.
Context #2 | Noun

in academic writing

Abbreviations are often used in academic writing to simplify complex terms or concepts. They help make the text more concise and clear.

Synonyms

clippings, short forms, shorthand

Examples of usage

  • The use of abbreviations can make your research paper easier to read and understand.
  • Remember to define any abbreviations you plan to use in your thesis.
Context #3 | Noun

in communication

Abbreviations are frequently used in texting and messaging to speed up the conversation. They are popular among younger generations.

Synonyms

codes, initialisms, shortcuts

Examples of usage

  • I'll BRB (be right back) in a few minutes.
  • LOL (laugh out loud) is one of the most common abbreviations in online chats.

Translations

Translations of the word "abbreviations" in other languages:

🇵🇹 abreviações

🇮🇳 संक्षिप्ताक्षर

🇩🇪 Abkürzungen

🇮🇩 singkatan

🇺🇦 абревіатури

🇵🇱 skrót

🇯🇵 略語

🇫🇷 abréviations

🇪🇸 abreviaturas

🇹🇷 kısaltmalar

🇰🇷 약어

🇸🇦 اختصارات

🇨🇿 zkratky

🇸🇰 skratky

🇨🇳 缩写

🇸🇮 okrajšave

🇮🇸 skammstafanir

🇰🇿 аббревиатуралар

🇬🇪 შემოკლებული ფორმები

🇦🇿 qısaltmalar

🇲🇽 abreviaturas

Word origin

The word 'abbreviation' originated from the Latin word 'abbreviatio', which means 'a shortening'. The use of abbreviations dates back to ancient times when scribes would shorten words to save time and space. In modern times, abbreviations are widely used in various fields such as business, academia, and digital communication to improve efficiency and clarity in written and spoken language.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,661, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.