Initialism: meaning, definitions and examples
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initialism
[ ɪˈnɪʃ(ə)lɪz(ə)m ]
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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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
Translations of the word "initialism" in other languages:
🇵🇹 sigla
🇮🇳 संक्षिप्ताक्षर
🇩🇪 Initialismus
🇮🇩 inisialisme
🇺🇦 ініціалізм
🇵🇱 skrótowiec
🇯🇵 頭字語 (とうじご)
🇫🇷 sigle
🇪🇸 sigla
🇹🇷 baş harflerden oluşan kısaltma
🇰🇷 두문자어 (dumunjaeo)
🇸🇦 الاسم المختصر
🇨🇿 iniciálová zkratka
🇸🇰 iniciálová skratka
🇨🇳 首字母缩略词 (shǒuzìmǔ suōlüè cí)
🇸🇮 začetna kratica
🇮🇸 upphafsstafakort
🇰🇿 қысқартылған сөз
🇬🇪 შესაძღვარი
🇦🇿 baş hərfli qısaltma
🇲🇽 sigla
Etymology
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.