verb
Uncommon
shortcut
SHAWT-kuht
Shortcut (verb) means to take a quicker or more direct route or method than usual. Example: “We shortcut through the alley to save five minutes.”
verb
1
To take a quicker or more direct route or method than usual.
"We shortcut through the alley to save five minutes."
"You can't shortcut years of practice."
How to use shortcut
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo use a faster, more direct way of getting somewhere or doing something.
Common mistake
More commonly used as a noun ("take a shortcut") than as this verb form.
Common pairings
take a shortcut
no shortcuts
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- shortcuts
- Past tense
- shortcutted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We _____ through the alley to save five minutes.
Etymology
From short + cut.
Frequently asked questions
What does “shortcut” mean?
The word “shortcut” means to take a quicker or more direct route or method than usual. In plain terms, to use a faster, more direct way of getting somewhere or doing something.
How do you pronounce “shortcut”?
“Shortcut” is pronounced SHAWT-kuht (/ˈʃoɹtˌkʌt/ in IPA).
How do you use “shortcut” in a sentence?
Here is “shortcut” used in a sentence: “We shortcut through the alley to save five minutes.”
What part of speech is “shortcut”?
“Shortcut” is a verb.
Is “shortcut” a common word?
“Shortcut” is an uncommon word in modern English.
