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Shortened Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shortened

[ˈʃɔːtnd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

abbreviation

To make something shorter in length.

Synonyms

abbreviate, reduce, truncate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shortened

Use when something is made shorter in time, length, or size than originally specified or planned.

  • The meeting was shortened due to time constraints
  • He shortened the essay by removing unnecessary paragraphs
reduce

Use when you want to decrease the amount, number, or size of something.

  • They decided to reduce the price of the product to attract more customers
  • She reduced her calorie intake to lose weight
abbreviate

Use when a word or phrase is made shorter by using only the initial letters of each word or a portion of it, often in written text.

  • The word 'Doctor' is often abbreviated to 'Dr
  • '
  • The company name was too long, so they abbreviated it to 'IBM'
truncate

Use in a more technical or formal context, typically when something is cut short or shortened by removing part of it, particularly in data processing or text.

  • The text was truncated because it exceeded the character limit
  • The list of results was too long, so it was truncated

Examples of usage

  • She shortened her hair before the summer started.
  • Please shorten the document to one page.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Language and Linguistics

  • In English, affixes can be used to create shorter forms, such as 'info' from 'information'.
  • Shortening language is common in texting, where longer words become acronyms or abbreviations for efficiency.
  • Languages worldwide often evolve to include shortened versions of phrases or words, ensuring easier communication.

Cultural Impact

  • In popular culture, shortened phrases like 'LOL' (laugh out loud) have become part of everyday language.
  • Marketing often employs shortened versions of brand names for catchiness, such as 'FedEx' for Federal Express.
  • Songs and poems sometimes use shortened words to fit rhythm or rhyme, making lyrics more impactful.

Visual Arts

  • In graphic design, 'shortened' elements help create clean, minimalistic layouts that are visually appealing.
  • Cartoons and animations often use shorter scenes or dialogues to maintain viewer engagement and pacing.
  • The concept of shortening can be seen in sculptures that emphasize abstract forms, focusing on essential shapes.

Educational Tools

  • Shortened texts, like summaries or study guides, help students grasp complex information quickly.
  • Visual aids often incorporate shortened concepts, like diagrams that simplify detailed processes.
  • In language learning, students are encouraged to use shortened phrases when conversing to build confidence.

Origin of 'shortened'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'shortened' comes from the Old English 'sceort', which means 'small or little'.
  • In Middle English, it evolved to 'shorten', capturing the action of making something shorter.
  • The suffix '-en' indicates a verb form, so 'shortened' means to make short in past tense.

The word 'shortened' is the past tense of the verb 'shorten', which originated from the Old English word 'sceortian'. The concept of shortening has been present in language for centuries, as people have always sought to make things more concise and brief.

See also: short, shortage, shortbread, shortcomings, shortcut, shortcuts, shorten, shortening, shortenings, shortfall, shortly, shortness, shortsighted.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,874 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.