abbreviation
12 synonyms and 7 antonyms for abbreviation, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A shortened form of a word or phrase, standing in for the full version.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use abbreviation
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle French abreviation, from Ecclesiastical Latin abbreviātiō, from Latin brevis ("short").
Full origin of abbreviation →Frequently asked questions
What does “abbreviation” mean?
The word “abbreviation” means a shortened form of a word or phrase, standing in for the full version. In plain terms, a shorter way of writing a longer word or phrase.
How do you pronounce “abbreviation”?
“Abbreviation” is pronounced uh-bree-vee-AY-shuhn (/əˌbɹi.viˈeɪ.ʃn̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “abbreviation” in a sentence?
Here is “abbreviation” used in a sentence: “"Dr." is the abbreviation for "doctor".”
What is another word for “abbreviation”?
Words with a similar meaning to “abbreviation” include abbreviature, abstract, abridgement, compend, compression and condensation.
What is the opposite of “abbreviation”?
The opposite of “abbreviation” — its antonyms — are amplification, dilation, enlargement, expansion and expatiation.
What part of speech is “abbreviation”?
“Abbreviation” is a noun.
Where does the word “abbreviation” come from?
The word “abbreviation” comes from Latin. From Middle French abreviation, from Ecclesiastical Latin abbreviātiō, from Latin brevis ("short").
Is “abbreviation” a common word?
“Abbreviation” is an uncommon word in modern English.