abbreviate

[uh-bree-vee-eyt]

verb (used with object)

abbreviated, abbreviating 

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)

abbreviated, abbreviating 

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

Other Word Forms

• abbreviator 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

He has pitched twice since then: an intentionally abbreviated three-inning start 12 days ago, and a relief appearance five days ago, in Game 1 of this division series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

If there’s a scene that best encapsulates the tragically abbreviated career of John Candy, it’s not necessarily from his time on the sketch-comedy series “SCTV” or from movies like “Stripes” or “Uncle Buck.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

They were animated but relatively reserved in an abbreviated clubhouse champagne shower.

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They are so abbreviated and less than clear that it’s maddening.

Read more on Salon

For the Dodgers last October, after returning for an abbreviated season, Buehler threw 10 shutout innings in the league championship series and the World Series.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abridge 
• compress