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abbreviate
[ uh-bree-vee-eyt ]
verb (used with object)
- 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.
- to reduce (anything) in length, duration, etc.; make briefer:
to abbreviate a speech.
verb (used without object)
- to use abbreviations.
abbreviate
/ əˈbriːvɪˌeɪt /
verb
- to shorten (a word or phrase) by contraction or omission of some letters or words
- to shorten (a speech or piece of writing) by omitting sections, paraphrasing, etc
- to cut short
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Derived Forms
- abˈbreviˌator, noun
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Other Words From
- ab·brevi·ator noun
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Word History and Origins
Origin of abbreviate1
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Word History and Origins
Origin of abbreviate1
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Synonym Study
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Example Sentences
And it's easier to delay something than to make something happen, so things tended to elongate rather than abbreviate.
In all letters of this sort they always abbreviate some words; it looks more business-like.
On the days when there is washing or sweeping or baking to do she will have to abbreviate other things.
Gentlemen, I have seen fit to abbreviate the King's message.
Every thing tends in a wonderful manner to abbreviate itself and yield its own virtue to him.
By this time you can pretty well imagine them, and my story is likely to be too long, unless I abbreviate.
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