Shorten Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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shorten
[ˈʃɔːt(ə)n ]
Definitions
text messaging
To shorten a word or phrase by using abbreviations or acronyms to convey the same meaning in a more concise way.
Synonyms
abbreviate, condense, truncate.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| shorten |
Use when decreasing the length or duration of something without altering its essence. Generally used in everyday language.
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| abbreviate |
Commonly used when shortening a word or phrase by leaving out some of the letters. It's typically used in technical or academic contexts.
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| condense |
Suitable for situations where something is made more compact, often by reducing length while retaining essential information. Commonly used in writing or speech.
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| truncate |
Used when something is cut short, especially by removing the end. Often used in technical or formal settings, and can sometimes carry a negative connotation if something important is lost.
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Examples of usage
- Can u pls shorten ur message? I'm running out of characters.
- I always shorten 'lol' to save time when texting.
length
Having a small length or duration; not long in time or extent.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| shorten |
Use to refer to making something physically or temporally shorter.
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| brief |
Use when giving a concise overview or summary, usually in a professional or formal context.
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| concise |
Use when emphasizing the clarity and efficiency of communication, typically in writing or speaking.
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| compact |
Use to describe something that is neatly packed or organized into a small space.
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Examples of usage
- The movie was quite short, only about an hour and a half.
- She wore a short dress to the party.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Usage
- In modern communication, 'shorten' often refers to making phrases or texts more concise – a trend seen in social media with character limits.
- Many companies design products to 'shorten' tasks, making our lives more efficient, like appliances that save time.
- In literature, authors may 'shorten' their stories to maintain reader engagement, leading to the popularity of concise narratives.
Technology
- URL shorteners in the digital age create abbreviated web links, simplifying sharing and enhancing aesthetics.
- In programming, 'shortening' code means removing unnecessary parts to improve speed and readability.
- Software tools are continually being developed to 'shorten' time spent on tasks, showcasing the significance of efficiency in tech.
Psychology
- Research suggests that breaking down complex information can 'shorten' the time needed to grasp new concepts, aiding learning.
- Cognitive load theory indicates that our brains function better with 'shortened' information, which promotes better retention.
- People often feel overwhelmed with excess information, making 'shortening' messages essential for effective communication.
Origin of 'shorten'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'shorten' comes from the Old English word 'sceortian,' which means to make short.
- It combines 'short,' which describes something of limited length, with the suffix '-en,' indicating to cause to be.
- First recorded use traces back to the 15th century, showing the evolution of language in English.
The word 'shorten' originated from the Old English word 'sceortian', which meant to make short or shorten. Over time, the word evolved to its current form in Middle English. The concept of shortening has been prevalent in various languages and cultures to convey information more efficiently and effectively.
See also: short, shortage, shortbread, shortcomings, shortcut, shortcuts, shortened, shortening, shortenings, shortfall, shortly, shortness, shortsighted.