abbreviation
Abbreviation (noun) means a shortened form of a word or phrase, standing in for the full version. Example: “Dr." is the abbreviation for "doctor".”
How to use abbreviation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA shorter way of writing a longer word or phrase.
An abbreviation is different from an acronym — an acronym is a special type of abbreviation that's pronounced as a word, like "NASA".
Word forms
abbreviations plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
"Dr." is the _____ for "doctor".
Etymology
From Middle French abreviation, from Ecclesiastical Latin abbreviātiō, from Latin brevis ("short").
Synonyms
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Related words
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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