verb
Uncommon
shorten
SHAWTN
Shorten (verb) means to make something shorter in length, duration, or extent. Example: “The tailor shortened the trousers by two inches.”
verb
1
To make something shorter in length, duration, or extent.
"The tailor shortened the trousers by two inches."
"They shortened the meeting to just twenty minutes."
2
To become shorter.
"The days shorten quickly once autumn arrives."
How to use shorten
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make (or become) shorter.
Common pairings
shorten the odds
shorten a sentence
shorten the process
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- shortens
- Past tense
- shortened
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The tailor _____ the trousers by two inches.
Etymology
From short + the verb-forming suffix -en, continuing an older Old English word meaning "to become short".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for shorten
See all rhymes for shorten →Frequently asked questions
What does “shorten” mean?
The word “shorten” means to make something shorter in length, duration, or extent. In plain terms, to make (or become) shorter.
How do you pronounce “shorten”?
“Shorten” is pronounced SHAWTN (/ˈʃɔɹtn̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “shorten” in a sentence?
Here is “shorten” used in a sentence: “The tailor shortened the trousers by two inches.”
What is another word for “shorten”?
Words with a similar meaning to “shorten” include abbreviate, abridge, chop down, chop off, cut short and compress.
What is the opposite of “shorten”?
The opposite of “shorten” — its antonyms — are extend and lengthen.
What part of speech is “shorten”?
“Shorten” is a verb.
Where does the word “shorten” come from?
The word “shorten” comes from Old English. From short + the verb-forming suffix -en, continuing an older Old English word meaning "to become short".
Is “shorten” a common word?
“Shorten” is an uncommon word in modern English.
