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abbreviate
[ uh-bree-vee-eyt ]
/ əˈbri viˌeɪt /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
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.
QUIZ
ARE YOU A TRUE BLUE CHAMPION OF THESE "BLUE" SYNONYMS?
We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms.
Question 1 of 8
Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?
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Origin of abbreviate
synonym study for abbreviate
See shorten.
OTHER WORDS FROM abbreviate
ab·bre·vi·a·tor, nounWords nearby abbreviate
Abbott, Abbott's method, Abboud, abbr., abbrev., abbreviate, abbreviated, abbreviation, abbreviatory, Abby, ABC
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use abbreviate in a sentence
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 of abbreviate
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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