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Truncate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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truncate

[ˈtrʌŋkeɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

data processing

To shorten or cut off a part of something, especially a text or a number, by removing the end or a small part at the beginning.

Synonyms

clip, cut, shorten.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
truncate

Use when you want to shorten something by cutting off a part, usually referring to text, data, or a sequence.

  • The text was too long, so we had to truncate it to fit the page.
  • The data was truncated to fit the database requirements.
cut

A general term for separating or reducing the length or size of something using a sharp tool. It can be used in a wide range of contexts, from physical cutting to reducing budgets.

  • I need to cut this paper into smaller pieces.
  • The company decided to cut the marketing budget by 10%.
shorten

Typically refers to making something shorter in duration, length, or extent. Used for articles, periods of time, objects, or even clothing.

  • She had to shorten her speech due to time constraints.
  • He shortened the rope to fit the space.
clip

Often used when cutting small pieces or parts off something, usually to tidy it up, such as hair, nails, plants, or even a portion of a recorded material.

  • He clipped the hedge into a neat shape.
  • She clipped her dog's fur for the summer.
  • They clipped the video to just the highlights.

Examples of usage

  • The system will automatically truncate the input data if it exceeds the maximum length allowed.
  • After the decimal point, the number gets truncated to the nearest whole number.
Context #2 | Verb

computing

To limit the number of digits or decimal places in a number by removing the excess digits.

Synonyms

chop off, round down.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
truncate

Use when you want to shorten something by cutting off part of it, especially when dealing with data or text.

  • The program will truncate the text if it exceeds 100 characters.
  • He decided to truncate his long speech to fit the time limit.
round down

Applied in mathematical or financial contexts when you reduce a number to the nearest lower whole number or specified unit.

  • When calculating taxes, you need to round down to the nearest dollar.
  • The software will round down the result to two decimal places.
chop off

Informal term used when you want to cut off something abruptly or forcefully. It is often used in conversations about removing physical parts or drastic cuts.

  • She accidentally chopped off a piece of her hair.
  • The tree was too tall, so they decided to chop off the top branches.

Examples of usage

  • The result is truncated to two decimal places for better readability.
  • The value will be truncated to fit into the specified data type.
Context #3 | Noun

mathematics

The process of shortening a number by removing digits after a certain point or cutting off the decimal portion of a number.

Synonyms

drop, round down.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
truncate

Refer to the first word's context for usage.
round down

This phrase is appropriate when you want to turn a number down to the nearest whole number or specified place value. It's often used in mathematical and financial contexts.

  • For the budget, round down all estimates to the nearest dollar.
  • In the report, you should round down sales figures to the nearest hundred.
drop

This word is best used when you intentionally let something fall or omit it. The tone can be neutral or slightly negative, depending on the situation.

  • Remember to drop the last column in the dataset.
  • She decided to drop the topic entirely after the argument.

Examples of usage

  • Truncate the number to the nearest integer.
  • The function rounds the number down by truncation.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In mathematics, to truncate a number means to shorten it by dropping digits from the end, often used in decimal places.
  • Truncation is commonly applied in statistics to reduce data precision, helping to simplify complex datasets.
  • A truncated cone is a solid shape like a traditional cone but with the tip sliced off, showcasing a real-world application of the concept.

Technology

  • In programming, truncating data might involve cutting off characters in a string that exceed a certain length.
  • Database systems often use truncation to empty a table or to reduce the size of stored data without deleting the schema.
  • Streaming applications may truncate media files to fit bandwidth constraints, delivering a shorter experience when necessary.

Literature

  • In storytelling, an author might truncate a lengthy narrative to keep a reader engaged and maintain pacing.
  • Truncated sentences can create suspense or urgency in writing by forcing the reader to fill in the gaps.
  • Famous literary works often have truncated versions or adaptations that condense the original story for easier consumption.

Psychology

  • Researchers sometimes truncate test lengths to keep participants engaged and reduce fatigue during long assessments.
  • Cognitive overload can be mitigated by truncating information given to individuals, making learning more effective.
  • In therapy, a truncated story might focus on key events rather than extensive details to facilitate quicker emotional processing.

Origin of 'truncate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'truncatus', which means 'to cut off or shorten.'
  • It was first used in English around the early 15th century, maintaining similar meanings related to cutting.
  • Truncate originally referred to cutting off a limb in a more literal sense, showing its roots in physical reduction.

The word 'truncate' comes from the Latin word 'truncatus', which means 'cut off'. It has been used in English since the late 16th century. The term is commonly used in mathematics, computing, and data processing to describe the action of shortening or limiting something by cutting off a part. The concept of truncation is essential in various fields where precision and accuracy are required.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,155, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.