Initialism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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initialism
[ɪˈnɪʃ(ə)lɪz(ə)m ]
Definitions
abbreviation
A word formed from the initial letters of a multi-word name or phrase, with those letters pronounced separately. Initialisms are often used in technical and scientific writing to shorten complex terms.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| initialism |
See the description for 'initialism' above.
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| acronym |
Apply this term when a set of initials stands for a longer phrase, and is pronounced as a single word rather than each letter individually.
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Examples of usage
- NASA is an initialism for National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
- UNICEF stands for United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund.
grammar
A group of initial letters used as an abbreviation for a name or expression, each letter being pronounced separately.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| initialism |
Used when referring to abbreviations formed from the initial letters of a series of words, where each letter is pronounced separately.
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| abbreviation |
Used when referring to a shortened form of a word or phrase, which can include contractions, acronyms, or initialisms.
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Examples of usage
- FYI is an initialism for 'For Your Information'.
- LOL is an initialism commonly used in online communication.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Linguistics
- Unlike acronyms that are pronounced as words (like 'NATO'), initialisms are pronounced by saying each letter separately, such as 'FBI'.
- Initialisms often reflect the rise of modern communication, enabling quicker references to longer phrases.
Pop Culture
- Popular initialisms like 'LOL' (laugh out loud) and 'BRB' (be right back) have become essential in texting and online conversations.
- In television, shows like 'CSI' (Crime Scene Investigation) use initialisms to create catchy titles that are easy to remember.
Business
- In corporate worlds, companies frequently utilize initialisms for efficiency, such as 'HR' for Human Resources and 'CEO' for Chief Executive Officer.
- Brand names like 'KFC' (Kentucky Fried Chicken) demonstrate how catchy initialisms can aid in marketing.
Education
- Initialisms are common in academic institutions; 'GPA' (Grade Point Average) is a widely understood term among students.
- They facilitate discussions in classrooms, allowing for concise references to complex concepts, like 'STEM' for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Origin of 'initialism'
Main points about word origin
- The term combines 'initial', meaning the first letters, and '-ism', a suffix indicating a practice.
- It entered the English language in the early 20th century, becoming common in administrative and technical contexts.
The term 'initialism' originated in the 19th century from the word 'initial' combined with the suffix '-ism', denoting a system, principle, or ideological movement. Initially, initialisms were primarily used in technical and scientific fields to simplify complex terminology. Over time, initialisms have become prevalent in everyday language and various communication mediums, including text messaging and social media.
See also: initialisms, initialize, initially, initials.