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abbreviate

 [uh-bree-vee-eyt]   Example Sentences Origin

ab·bre·vi·ate

   [uh-bree-vee-eyt] verb, -at·ed, -at·ing.
verb (used with object)
1.
to shorten (a word or phrase) by omitting letters, substituting shorter forms, etc., so that the shortened form can represent the whole word or phrase, as ft. for foot, ab. for about, R.I. for Rhode Island, NW for Northwest, or Xn for Christian.
2.
to reduce (anything) in length, duration, etc.; make briefer: to abbreviate a speech.
verb (used without object)
3.
to use abbreviations.

:10

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to run away hurriedly; flee.
to swindle, cheat, hoodwink, or hoax.
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Origin:
1400–50; late Middle English abbreviaten < Late Latin abbreviātus shortened (past participle of abbreviāre), equivalent to Latin ad- ad- + breviātus (brevi(s) short + -ātus -ate1)

Related forms
ab·bre·vi·a·tor, noun

Synonyms
See shorten.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source Link To abbreviate
Example Sentences
  • One might suggest that he should abbreviate the history and cut to the spontaneous comedy.
  • Depending on whose heavily abbreviate version of the story you read, facts can appear in a different light.
  • But the rules also set guidelines for ballots with write-in candidates where voters may misspell or abbreviate a candidate's name.
Collins
World English Dictionary
abbreviate (əˈbriːvɪˌeɪt)
 
—vb
1.  to shorten (a word or phrase) by contraction or omission of some letters or words
2.  to shorten (a speech or piece of writing) by omitting sections, paraphrasing, etc
3.  to cut short
 
[C15: from the past participle of Late Latin abbreviāre, from Latin brevis brief]
 
ab'breviator
 
—n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

abbreviate
mid-15c., from L. abbreviatus, pp. of abbreviare "to shorten" (see abbreviation). Also sometimes 15c. abbrevy, from M.Fr. abrevier (14c.), from L. abbreviare. Related: Abbreviated; abbreviating.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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