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

And it's easier to delay something than to make something happen, so things tended to elongate rather than abbreviate.

From The Daily Beast

In all letters of this sort they always abbreviate some words; it looks more business-like.

From Project Gutenberg

On the days when there is washing or sweeping or baking to do she will have to abbreviate other things.

From Project Gutenberg

Gentlemen, I have seen fit to abbreviate the King's message.

From Project Gutenberg

Every thing tends in a wonderful manner to abbreviate itself and yield its own virtue to him.

From Project Gutenberg

By this time you can pretty well imagine them, and my story is likely to be too long, unless I abbreviate.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• abort
• truncate