abbreviate
[ uh-bree-vee-eyt ]
/ əˈbri viˌeɪt /
verb (used with object), ab·bre·vi·at·ed, ab·bre·vi·at·ing.
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.
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.
to use abbreviations.
Nearby words
abbott, george, abbott, sir john joseph caldwell, abboud, abbr., abbrev., abbreviate, abbreviated, abbreviation, abbreviatory, abby, abbé
Origin of abbreviate
Related forms
ab·bre·vi·a·tor, nounDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for abbreviate
British Dictionary definitions for abbreviate
abbreviate
/ (əˈbriːvɪˌeɪt) /
verb (tr)
to shorten (a word or phrase) by contraction or omission of some letters or words
to shorten (a speech or piece of writing) by omitting sections, paraphrasing, etc
to cut short
Derived Forms
abbreviator, nounWord Origin for abbreviate
C15: from the past participle of Late Latin abbreviāre, from Latin brevis brief
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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