shorten
verb (used with object)
had shortened
-
past perfectof shorten.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
These are naturally less sensitive to tiny defects on the crystal's surface, which had shortened magnon lifetimes in previous experiments.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 2, 2026
On its latest pass, the ALOS-2 spacecraft reported that the distance between itself and the ground had shortened as the Earth's surface had risen up under the force of the tremor.
From BBC ● Jan. 2, 2024
Zahn, who manages assets worth 5 billion euros, said he had "shortened up" into the rally, referring to cashing out positions or using futures trades to bet on yields rising from here.
From Reuters ● Mar. 15, 2023
One day, I asked our teacher why the Catholics had shortened the prayer.
From Washington Post ● Jul. 31, 2022
In time, his left leg had shortened and he had to wear a special shoe with an enormous platform that he made himself.
From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende
