verb

abbreviate

Abbreviate (verb) means to shorten by omitting parts or details.

verb

To shorten by omitting parts or details.

To speak or write in a brief manner.

To make shorter; to shorten (in time); to abridge; to shorten by ending sooner than planned.

To reduce a word or phrase by means of contraction or omission to a shorter recognizable form.

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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.

Rhymes for abbreviate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of abbreviate?

"abbreviate" (verb) means to shorten by omitting parts or details.

What are the different meanings of abbreviate?

"abbreviate" has 3 main meanings: 1. To shorten by omitting parts or details; 2. To speak or write in a brief manner; 3. To make shorter; to shorten (in time); to abridge; to shorten by ending sooner than planned.