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Shortness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shortness

[ˈʃɔːtnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in describing length

The quality of being small in distance from one end to the other; the quality of being short.

Synonyms

brevity, briefness, conciseness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shortness

Used to describe a lack of length or duration, can also refer to abruptness or being direct in a non-specific context.

  • The shortness of his explanation left everyone confused.
  • She was criticized for the shortness with which she spoke to her colleagues.
brevity

Often used in formal or literary settings to describe the quality of being brief in speech or writing, focusing on the importance of concise expression.

  • The report's brevity made it easy to read.
  • Brevity is the soul of wit.
conciseness

Refers specifically to the use of fewer words to convey an idea clearly, often with a positive connotation in contexts where clarity and efficiency are valued.

  • The teacher praised the student's conciseness in the essay.
  • Conciseness in public speaking can help maintain the audience's attention.
briefness

Describes a short duration or concise nature, typically used in everyday or informal settings.

  • The meeting's briefness was a pleasant surprise.
  • I appreciated the briefness of his comment.

Examples of usage

  • The shortness of the journey surprised me.
  • Despite the shortness of the book, it was packed with information.
Context #2 | Noun

in describing duration

The quality of lasting only a brief period of time; the quality of being brief or concise.

Synonyms

briefness, ephemeral, transience.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shortness

Describes something that is not long in duration or extent, often used in various general contexts.

  • The shortness of the meeting was a relief to everyone.
  • He was surprised by the shortness of her reply.
briefness

Focuses on the concise or succinct nature of something, typically used when highlighting the efficiency or lack of detail.

  • The briefness of the exam instructions was appreciated by the students.
  • She was known for the briefness of her speeches.
transience

Relates to the state or quality of being temporary or short-lived, often used in discussions about life, nature, or emotions.

  • The transience of childhood memories can be both beautiful and painful.
  • She struggled with the transience of her job, moving from one contract to the next.
ephemeral

Refers to something that lasts for a very short time, often used in a poetic or philosophical context to emphasize its fleeting nature.

  • The beauty of the sunset is ephemeral, disappearing within minutes.
  • His fame proved to be ephemeral, lasting only a few months.

Examples of usage

  • The shortness of their meeting left much unsaid.
  • The shortness of his temper often led to conflicts.
Context #3 | Noun

in describing height

The quality of being small in height; the quality of lacking tallness.

Synonyms

height deficiency, lowness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shortness

Redundant, so refer to the first entry.
lowness

This word generally has a negative connotation and can be used to describe not just physical height but also levels, sound, and mood. It is less commonly used to describe human stature.

  • The lowness of the water level was alarming.
  • She felt a deep lowness in her spirits.
height deficiency

A formal term often used in medical or technical contexts to describe below-average height. It typically implies a physiological or genetic condition and is less likely to be used in everyday conversation.

  • The child was diagnosed with height deficiency at a young age.
  • Height deficiency can sometimes be treated with growth hormones.

Examples of usage

  • Her shortness made her easily recognizable in the crowd.
  • The shortness of the fence allowed easy access.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Insights

  • In many cultures, height is often associated with strength and power, whereas shortness can sometimes carry stereotypes.
  • On the flip side, shortness in communication (like a short story) is often appreciated for its conciseness and ability to engage readers quickly.

Science

  • Research shows that height perception can influence social interactions and may play a role in job hiring processes.
  • In the world of physics, 'short' can refer to time intervals, such as the brief duration of fast-moving events.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that shorter individuals may experience different social dynamics, sometimes facing challenges in confidence or self-perception.
  • Conversely, those with short attention spans may benefit from shorter tasks or content to maintain engagement.

Literature

  • Short stories, a popular literary format, distill complex ideas into brief narratives, allowing readers to explore themes succinctly.
  • Poetry often leverages short verses to evoke strong emotions quickly, illustrating the impactful nature of brevity in language.

Origin of 'shortness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'short' comes from the Old English 'sceort,' meaning 'brief' or 'not long.'
  • The suffix '-ness' used in English transforms adjectives into nouns, indicating a state or quality.

The word 'shortness' originated from the Old English word 'sceortnys', which combined 'sceort' (short) and '-nys' (a suffix denoting state or quality). Over time, the word evolved to its current form, retaining its essence of describing the quality of being short in various aspects such as length, duration, and height.

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

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,545, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.