verb
abbreviate
Abbreviate (verb) means to make something shorter by leaving out some parts.
verb
1
To make something shorter by leaving out some parts.
2
To speak or write briefly.
3
To make something take less time than was planned.
4
To shorten a word or phrase into a shorter form that people can still recognise.
"Bovine spongiform encephalopathy is more commonly known by its abbreviated form BSE."
"Alana abbreviated "involuntarily celibate" to "invcel", until someone suggested that "incel" was easier to say."
— Jim Taylor, The woman who founded the 'incel' movement (2018)
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Etymology
From Middle English abbreviaten, from abbreviat(e) (“abbreviated”, used as the participle of abbreviaten) + -en (verb-forming suffix), borrowed from Latin abbreviātus, perfect passive participle of abbreviō (“to shorten”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), formed from ab- + breviō (“to shorten”), from brevis (“short”). Alternatively, a back-formation from abbreviation. Doublet of abridge.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for abbreviate
See all rhymes for abbreviate →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of abbreviate?
"abbreviate" (verb) means to make something shorter by leaving out some parts.
What is another word for abbreviate?
Other words for "abbreviate" include reduce, cut, contract, shorten, abridge, foreshorten.
What is the opposite of abbreviate?
Opposites of "abbreviate" include lengthen, expand, extend, expatiate, dilate, prolong.
What are the different meanings of abbreviate?
"abbreviate" has 3 main meanings: 1. To make something shorter by leaving out some parts; 2. To speak or write briefly; 3. To make something take less time than was planned.
