abbreviate
Use Abbreviate in a sentence
viˌeɪt 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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
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Link To abbreviate
00:10
Abbreviate
is one of our favorite verbs.
So is absquatulate. Does it mean:
| to flee; abscond: |
| to bark; yelp. |
Collins
World English Dictionary
abbreviate (əˈbriːvɪˌeɪt) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —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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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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Example sentences
Runners who abbreviate their stride try instinctively to quicken their pace to compensate.
Nor does this inclination to abbreviate stop at the door of the laboratory.
Abbreviate those terms or phrases that are used frequently within the publication.
One might suggest that he should abbreviate the history and cut to the spontaneous comedy.
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