Abbreviations: meaning, definitions and examples
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abbreviations
[əˌbriː.viˈeɪ.ʃən ]
Definitions
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.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| abbreviations |
Use when shortening forms of words or phrases, keeping the first parts of the words. It is commonly used in written language across various fields.
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| shortenings |
These generally refer to any shortened form of words or phrases and can include abbreviations, acronyms, and contractions.
|
| contractions |
Use in informal or conversational English to combine and shorten two words by omitting certain letters and using an apostrophe.
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| acronyms |
These are created from the initial letters of a series of words, forming a new term. They are often used in official, technical, and informal contexts.
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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.
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.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| abbreviations |
Use in formal or technical writing when referring to shortened forms of words or phrases.
|
| short forms |
Used generally to mean any shortened version of a word or phrase, suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
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| shorthand |
Used specifically when referring to a method of rapid writing by using symbols or abbreviations, often in note-taking.
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| clippings |
Used in informal contexts to refer to short versions of longer words, usually in casual conversation.
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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.
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.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| abbreviations |
Commonly used to shorten words or phrases in writing, often seen in everyday language, documents, and notes.
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| shortcuts |
Commonly used in computing and technology, referring to key combinations or small set of steps to perform frequent tasks quickly.
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| codes |
Typically represent a system of words, letters, figures, or symbols used to disguise information or to denote specific instructions, often in technical, medical, or security contexts.
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| initialisms |
Also formed from the initial letters of a phrase, but each letter is pronounced separately, rather than as a single word.
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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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'abbreviation' comes from the Latin word 'abbreviatio,' which means 'to shorten.'
- The practice of shortening words dates back to ancient civilizations, including Roman times, where inscriptions often featured abbreviations for efficiency.
- Abbreviations became especially popular in the 19th century with the rise of telegraphy, where sending messages quickly was crucial.
Communication
- Many modern forms of communication, like texting and online messaging, rely heavily on abbreviations to save time and space.
- Common abbreviations, such as 'LOL' (laugh out loud) and 'BRB' (be right back), have become part of everyday language among younger generations.
- In formal writing, particularly in academia, abbreviations are often defined at their first use, allowing for clearer communication.
Pop Culture
- Popular brands and organizations often use abbreviations for their names, like NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and UK (United Kingdom).
- In movies and television, characters often use playful or humorous abbreviations to create relatable or funny dialogue.
- Social movements sometimes adopt catchy abbreviations for their slogans, making them easier to remember and spread.
Psychology
- Abbreviations can enhance memory retention by creating mental shortcuts, making complex information easier to recall.
- They are also used in branding; abbreviating a brand name can make it easier to recognize and remember.
- Research suggests that people's familiarity with specific abbreviations can foster a sense of community in group settings.
Education
- Abbreviations are taught in schools as part of language arts, helping students learn to communicate efficiently.
- Many academic disciplines have their own sets of abbreviations that are crucial for students to master, such as 'PhD' (Doctor of Philosophy) and 'etc.' (et cetera).
- Understanding common abbreviations is important for reading comprehension, especially in scientific and technical texts.
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