Abbreviation Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/əˈbreɪʃən/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A shortened form of a word or phrase, often used to represent a longer phrase or series of words.

Examples

• The abbreviation for “Assistant” is “Asst.”
• The journal’s abbreviation is “J. Sci.”

Synonyms

• Acronym
• Short form

Antonyms

• Expanded form
• Full phrase

Etymology

The word “abbreviation” comes from the Latin words “abbreviare,” meaning “to shorten,” and “atio,” meaning “process or action.”

Additional Information

Abbreviations are commonly used in various fields, including science, medicine, business, and technology, to represent complex terms or phrases. They can be written in uppercase or lowercase letters, and may be used with or without a period at the end. Abbreviations can also be acronymic, meaning they are formed from the initial letters of a phrase or word.

Avoid using abbreviations in formal writing, especially in academic or professional contexts, unless they are widely recognized and commonly used in the field. In informal writing, use abbreviations sparingly and make sure they are clear and easy to understand.

Etymology

The word “abbreviation” was first recorded in the 15th century. The term “abbreviation” was originally used to describe a shortening of a verse or a fragment of a longer text. Over time, the term expanded to include any shortened form of a word or phrase.

Usage Notes

When using abbreviations, make sure they are widely recognized and commonly used in the field or context. Avoid creating your own abbreviations unless they are necessary and clearly defined.

Cultural References

A notable cultural reference to abbreviations is the TV show “Lost,” where the characters frequently use flashbacks and flash-forwards to convey information. The show’s use of abbreviations and acronyms is often used as a plot device to reveal character backgrounds and motivations.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Common idioms or phrases that include the word “abbreviation” include:

• “In abbreviation”
• “Abbreviate the message”

Related Words or Phrases

Words or phrases closely related to “abbreviation” include:

• Acronyms
• Initialisms

Collocations

Common word combinations with the term “abbreviation” include:

• “Abbreviation for”
• “Abbreviation of”
• “Abbreviation stands for”

Frequency of Use

The word “abbreviation” is commonly used in formal and informal writing, with a frequency of use of approximately 1.3% in the Oxford English Corpus.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of “abbreviation” include:

• Abbrieviation
• Abreviation
• Abbreviaton