Acronyms Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
ðŸ”
acronyms
[ˈækrənɪm ]
Definition
abbreviation
An acronym is a word formed from the initial letters of a phrase or name, typically pronounced as a single word.
Synonyms
abbreviation, acrostic, initialism.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| acronyms |
When you shorten a phrase by using the first letters of each word to create a new word that can be pronounced.
|
| initialism |
When you shorten a phrase by using the first letters of each word, but the resulting letters are pronounced individually, not as a new word.
|
| abbreviation |
Used when you shorten a word or phrase by omitting some letters, and this does not necessarily form a new pronounceable word.
|
| acrostic |
When you create a poem or a piece of writing where the first letters of each line spell out a word or message.
|
Examples of usage
- NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)
- UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund)
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'acronyms'
The word 'acronym' originated in the mid-20th century and is derived from the Greek words 'akron' (end) and 'onuma' (name). Acronyms have become a common form of abbreviation in modern language, particularly in fields such as technology, government, and business.