noun
Uncommon
abbreviation
uh-bree-vee-AY-shuhn
Abbreviation (noun) means a shortened form of a word or phrase, standing in for the full version. Example: “Dr." is the abbreviation for "doctor".”
noun
1
A shortened form of a word or phrase, standing in for the full version.
""Dr." is the abbreviation for "doctor"."
"The report was full of abbreviations that confused new employees."
How to use abbreviation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA shorter way of writing a longer word or phrase.
Common mistake
An abbreviation is different from an acronym — an acronym is a special type of abbreviation that's pronounced as a word, like "NASA".
Easily confused with
Common pairings
common abbreviation
abbreviation for
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Word forms
- Plural
- abbreviations
Fill the gap
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"Dr." is the _____ for "doctor".
Etymology
From Middle French abreviation, from Ecclesiastical Latin abbreviātiō, from Latin brevis ("short").
Synonyms
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abbreviature
abstract
abridgement
compend
compression
condensation
contraction
curtailment
epitome
shortcut
reduction
summary
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for abbreviation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for 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.
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