abbreviate

[ uh-bree-vee-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ab·bre·vi·at·ed, ab·bre·vi·at·ing.

1. to shorten (a word or phrase) by omitting letters, substituting shorter forms, etc., so that the shortened form can represent the whole word or phrase, as ft. for foot, ab. for about, R.I. for Rhode Island, NW for Northwest, or Xn for Christian.
2. to reduce (anything) in length, duration, etc.; make briefer:

   to abbreviate a speech.

verb (used without object)

, ab·bre·vi·at·ed, ab·bre·vi·at·ing.

1. to use abbreviations.

abbreviate

/ əˈbriːvɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. to shorten (a word or phrase) by contraction or omission of some letters or words
2. to shorten (a speech or piece of writing) by omitting sections, paraphrasing, etc
3. to cut short

Derived Forms

• abˈbreviˌator, noun

Other Words From

• ab·brevi·ator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of abbreviate¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English abbreviaten, from Late Latin abbreviātus shortened (past participle of abbreviāre ), equivalent to Latin ad- ad- + breviātus ( brevi(s) “short“ + -ātus -ate ¹ )

Word History and Origins

Origin of abbreviate¹

C15: from the past participle of Late Latin abbreviāre, from Latin brevis brief

Synonym Study

See shorten.

Example Sentences

If you want to seem sincere and receive more responses to your texts, spell out words instead of abbreviating them, according to new research published by the American Psychological Association.

From Science Daily

When Biden did drop out, some Democrats called for an abbreviated primary so that voters could weigh in on his replacement.

From Salon

Acknowledging that many undecided American voters “are still getting to know” her after her abbreviated presidential campaign, Harris touched on the highlights of her biography and upbringing.

From BBC

Apart from an abbreviated calendar, another benefit that Harris and Schwarzenegger enjoyed was avoiding a contentious partisan primary.

From Los Angeles Times

Today, the hours are still abbreviated: Wednesdays and Sundays, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., which they hope to expand to allow for more private reading and reflection.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abort
• truncate