Shorten Meaning and Definition
Shorten
Pronunciation
/ˈʃɔrtən/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A shortened or abbreviated form of something, often used to make it more concise or efficient.
Examples
- The company shortened its product line to focus on its most popular items.
- A shortened version of the script was used for the radio broadcast.
Synonyms
- Abbreviate
- truncate
Antonyms
- Lengthen
- Expound
Etymology
The word “shorten” comes from the Old English words “scort” and “scortan”, meaning “to shorten or make short”.
Usage Notes
When using the word “shorten”, it’s important to consider the context and the intended meaning. For example, in the context of language, “shorten” can refer to omitting unnecessary words or phrases, while in the context of physical objects, it can refer to reducing the length or size of something.
Cultural References
The word “shorten” has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, music, and film. For example, in the classic novel “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen, the character Elizabeth Bennet is described as having “shortened” her hair to conform to societal norms.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Shorten can be used idiomatically in phrases such as “shorten the distance” (to make something shorter or more concise) or “shorten the process” (to make it more efficient).
Related Words or Phrases
Words and phrases related to “shorten” include “abridge”, “abbreviate”, “condense”, and “truncate”.
Collocations
Common collocations with “shorten” include “shorten a sentence”, “shorten a story”, and “shorten a video”.
Frequency of Use
The word “shorten” is commonly used in everyday language, particularly in the context of language, communication, and technology.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of “shorten” include “shortern”, “shortenn”, and “shortend”.