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View synonyms for

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

/ əˈːɪˌɪ /

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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • abbreviator noun
  • ˈ𱹾ˌٴǰ noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of abbreviate1

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English abbreviaten, from Late Latin 𱹾ٳܲ shortened (past participle of 𱹾 ), equivalent to Latin ad- ad- + 𱹾ٳܲ ( brevi(s) “short“ + -ٳܲ -ate 1 )
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Word History and Origins

Origin of abbreviate1

C15: from the past participle of Late Latin 𱹾, from Latin brevis brief
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Synonym Study

See shorten.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The career Dodger in his 18th season has 2,974, and he’s inching toward the finish line, having struck out six in three abbreviated starts since coming off the injured list two weeks ago.

From

An abbreviated list of memorable train wrecks at first base:

From

He pointed to the unsuccessful, abbreviated campaign Harris had in the 2024 presidential contest because of then-President Biden’s decision to bow out of the race in the summer, months before the election.

From

Because of that schedule quirk, the Dodgers’ spring schedule was abbreviated again.

From

May doesn’t have, however, with under a week remaining in the Dodgers’ abbreviated spring camp, is clarity on exactly what his role will be when the regular season begins.

From

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abbrev.abbreviated