Definition of Abbreviate
to shorten a word or phrase
Examples of Abbreviate in a sentence
Learning to abbreviate long words will help the court reporter type more quickly.
🔊
Please do not abbreviate your name, but instead place your full signature on the line.
🔊
Some packages of food abbreviate teaspoon to tsp while other write out the full word.
🔊
When writing the date, you can abbreviate September to Sept. as a way to save space.
🔊
Because we tend to abbreviate while texting, it is harder for some pupils to get back in the habit of writing sentences complete.
🔊
Other words in the Decrease category:
Most Searched Words (with Video)
Use Abbreviate in a sentence. How to use the word Abbreviate in a sentence? How is “Abbreviate” used in English? What are the rules of use of “Abbreviate”? Sentence for Abbreviate.
Definition of Abbreviate
The verb “abbreviate” means to shorten a word, phrase, or text by omitting certain parts, usually by using abbreviations or acronyms. This is often done to make writing or speaking more concise, to save time or space, or to make complex ideas more accessible.
Abbreviating can be done in a variety of ways, including shortening words or phrases by taking out letters or using acronyms or initialisms. For example, “etc.” is an abbreviation of “et cetera,” “USA” is an acronym for “United States of America,” and “Mr.” is an abbreviation for “Mister.”
Abbreviating can be useful in many contexts, such as taking notes, creating an outline, or summarizing information. However, it is important to ensure that the abbreviation is widely understood and that it does not obscure or confuse the meaning of the text.
In some cases, abbreviating can also be seen as informal or inappropriate, such as in formal writing or in certain professional contexts. It is important to consider the audience and the context before using abbreviations in these situations.
How is “Abbreviate” used in English? What are the rules of use of “Abbreviate”?
“Abbreviate” is commonly used in English when referring to shortening words, phrases, or text. Here are some rules for using “abbreviate” in English:
- Use it when you need to make writing or speaking more concise. This can help you save time, space, or make your ideas more accessible.
- Use it when you need to create a summary or outline. This can help you focus on the key points and avoid irrelevant details.
- Use it when you need to use acronyms or initialisms to represent a longer phrase or term. This is common in technical writing, scientific reports, or in other contexts where complex terms are used.
- Be careful not to over-abbreviate, as this can make the text confusing or difficult to understand. It is important to ensure that the abbreviation is widely understood and does not obscure the meaning of the text.
- Consider the audience and context before using abbreviations. In some cases, using abbreviations can be seen as informal or inappropriate, such as in formal writing or in certain professional contexts.
- Always define an abbreviation the first time you use it. This ensures that readers or listeners understand the meaning of the abbreviation and can follow the text without confusion.
Examples of Abbreviate in a sentence
- To save space, we had to abbreviate the list of participants.
- You can abbreviate the word “international” as “int’l.”
- I always abbreviate the word “appointment” to “appt.”
- Can you please abbreviate the name of the company for me?
- The book title was too long, so the publisher decided to abbreviate it.
- The medical terminology was difficult, but I was able to understand it once I learned how to abbreviate it.
- The sign on the door read “Mgr.” to abbreviate the word “manager.”
- When writing the email, be sure to abbreviate the state names correctly.
- The company name was too long, so they decided to abbreviate it to just the first letter of each word.
- The teacher reminded the students to abbreviate their notes when necessary.
- To avoid confusion, it’s important to only abbreviate common terms.
- The abbreviation for “Doctor” is “Dr.”
- Can you please abbreviate the word “February” for me?
- The contract was so long that we had to abbreviate some of the legal jargon.
- The airport code for Los Angeles is LAX, which is an abbreviation for the airport’s original name, Los Angeles International Airport.
- We often abbreviate “versus” to “vs.”
- In technical writing, it is common to abbreviate commonly used terms to save space and make the text more readable.
- The university’s name is too long, so they decided to abbreviate it to just the initials.
- To keep things simple, we often abbreviate common phrases in our text messages.
- Please do not abbreviate your signature on important documents.
- The book was difficult to read because the author used too many abbreviations that I didn’t understand.
- We use “i.e.” to abbreviate “that is” or “in other words.”
- The abbreviation for “President” is “Pres.”
- The road signs used abbreviations to indicate the names of the nearby towns.
- It’s important to use the correct abbreviations in academic writing to avoid confusing your readers.
- The medical report was filled with abbreviations that I couldn’t understand.
- You can abbreviate the word “department” as “dept.”
- The conference program listed the speakers’ names with their affiliations, which were often abbreviated.
- We often abbreviate “et cetera” as “etc.”
- It’s important to follow the correct style guide when using abbreviations in your writing.
Post Views: 2,008
1. ‘Daniel’ is often abbreviated to ‘Dan’.
2. He abbreviated his first name to Alec.
3. ‘Information technology’ is usually abbreviated to ‘IT’.
4. ‘Chief Executive Officer’ is abbreviated as ‘CEO’.
5. Where appropriate, abbreviated forms are used.
6. ‘Di’ is the abbreviated form of ‘Diane’.
7. The solution is to abbreviate, contract and condense.
8. Is it correct to abbreviate ‘Avenue’, ‘Street’ and so on when writing an address on an envelope?
9. And it doesn’t abbreviate the term «postposition».
9. Sentencedict.com is a online sentence dictionary, on which you can find excellent sentences for a large number of words.
10. If delete, do not weigh, undertake abbreviate to this article.
11. Is this abbreviate in ALD the financial middle finger of retail trade what?
12. Because of its English abbreviate is APEC, also abbreviation is Yapeike.
13. Don’t be afraid to abbreviate. You should cut a paragraph here and shorten one there.
14. The abbreviate feeling of beatitude abolished, and she came back home with a torn affection.
15. I like to abbreviate my title since it’s easier for human to remember.
16. In abbreviate, aggregate that the boy admired no best abides—-except in the man’s anamnesis of it.
17. She had lost the power to abbreviate the remaining steps of the way.
18. The satisfiability problem of conjunction normal form ( abbreviate SAT problem ) is an NP _ complete problem.
19. It is seldom acceptable to abbreviate words in formal writing.
20. I like to abbreviate my name because it’s easier for people to remember.
21. Michel Foucault , The Archaeology of Knowledge; hereafter this text will be abbreviated as AK.
22. Orders were passed to the commander at the front in an abbreviated form.
23. Television, it should be remembered, can conserve and celebrate just as it can abbreviate and denature.
24. Also, in writing of events the writer is certain to have to abbreviate any descriptions very sharply.
25. Also , try to avoid abbreviations. If you must abbreviate, use standard abbreviations.
26. Which of these words do you want me to abbreviate for the telegram?
27. Since the entire boldfaced expression in statement (5) appears in many code fragments, I will abbreviate it to TREAT ( … ) from now on.
28. During the late 1830s, it was a favorite practice among younger, educated circles to misspell words intentionally, then abbreviate them and use them as slang when talking to one another.
29. Dish bird: The meaning of OICQ, do I love the phoneticize abbreviate of Chongqing?
30. Objective : To study the relation between Obstructive sleep apnea hpoventilation syndrome ( abbreviate OSAHS ) and Cardiovascular disease.
transitive verb
: to make briefer
an abbreviated version of the story
especially
: to reduce (a word or name) to a shorter form intended to stand for the whole
You can abbreviate the word building as bldg.
«United States of America» is commonly abbreviated to «USA.»
Did you know?
Abbreviate and abridge both mean «to make shorter,» so it probably will come as no surprise that both derive from Latin brevis, meaning «short.» Abbreviate first appeared in print in English in the 15th century and derives from abbreviātus, the past participle of Late Latin abbreviāre, which in turn can be traced back to brevis. Abridge, which appeared a century earlier, also comes from abbreviāre but took a side trip through the Anglo-French abreger before arriving in Middle English as abreggen. Brevis is also the ancestor of English brief itself, as well as brevity and breviary («a prayer book» or «a brief summary»), among other words.
Synonyms
Choose the Right Synonym for abbreviate
curtail adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy.
ceremonies curtailed because of rain
abbreviate implies a making shorter usually by omitting some part.
using an abbreviated title
abridge implies a reduction in compass or scope with retention of essential elements and a relative completeness in the result.
the abridged version of the novel
retrench suggests a reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive.
declining business forced the company to retrench
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
These ECUs, as they’re abbreviated, are found in virtually all modern vehicles and are used to control a myriad of functions, including wipers, brakes, individual lights, and engine.
—
Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 7 Apr. 2023
His 2022 season was abbreviated by an Achilles injury.
—Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2023
But his stay in College Station may be abbreviated in what has become a crowded receiver’s room.
—Chuck Carlton, Dallas News, 20 Mar. 2023
Parts of Georgia grand jury report to be made public Thursday A Georgia judge is set to provide a first – albeit abbreviated – look Thursday at a grand jury’s examination of former President Donald Trump’s attempts to interfere in the 2020 election.
—Sarah Elbeshbishi, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2023
Ever since the 17th century, when mariners began seeking the mythologized Northwest Passage above Canada, the great sail over the top of the world has been an object of desire because of its potential to abbreviate transit times.
—Samanth Subramanian, Quartz, 23 May 2021
Already, public health agencies, researchers and nonprofit organizations around the world have taken it upon themselves to abbreviate or shorten the controversial name.
—Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2022
Meant to show strength and independence, Alzona’s sculptures abbreviate women’s bodies to such active parts as a torso or a pair of ankles and feet.
—Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 1 July 2022
Having returned to public activities in May, and then having to abbreviate her schedule due to COVID, the 44-year-old royal appeared to welcome the opportunity to reengage and interact with the public.
—Peter Mikelbank, PEOPLE.com, 18 June 2022
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word ‘abbreviate.’ Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English abbreviaten, borrowed from Late Latin abbreviātus, past participle of abbreviāre «to make shorter» — more at abridge
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of abbreviate was
in the 15th century
Podcast
Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!
Dictionary Entries Near abbreviate
Cite this Entry
“Abbreviate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abbreviate. Accessed 14 Apr. 2023.
Share
More from Merriam-Webster on abbreviate
Last Updated:
10 Apr 2023
— Updated example sentences
Subscribe to America’s largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Asked by: Mr. Waylon Fritsch
Score: 4.7/5
(45 votes)
Abbreviate sentence example
If the space is small, you can always abbreviate . We were forced to abbreviate our trip due to the bad weather. Ordinary algebra developed very gradually as a kind of shorthand, devised to abbreviate the discussion of arithmetical problems and the statement of arithmetical facts.
What is a sentence for abbreviation?
An abbreviation is any contraction of a word or phrase, but it’s applied particularly to contractions such as eg. I told him the abbreviation and he typed it into the computer, his face lighting up with epiphany before sending me on my way. I think the above article misspells the receptor abbreviation.
How do you write an abbreviation in a sentence?
Abbreviate academic and professional titles only when they follow a name or when they are used with the full name or initials and the last name. Use a comma before and after an abbreviation in a sentence, except with the abbreviations Jr. and Sr. Nancy Wright, RN, was promoted to head nurse.
How do you abbreviate example in a sentence?
e.g. is the abbreviation for the Latin phrase exempli gratia, meaning “for example.” This abbreviation is typically used to introduce one or more examples of something mentioned previously in the sentence and can be used interchangeably with “for example” or “such as.” The use of e.g. implies that there are other …
What is abbreviation give example?
An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase, such as «Jan.» for «January.» The abbreviated form of the word «abbreviation» is «abbr.»—or, less commonly, «abbrv.» or «abbrev.» Abbreviation comes from the Latin word brevis meaning «short.»
35 related questions found
How do you write tablespoon?
In recipes, an abbreviation like tbsp. is usually used to refer to a tablespoon, to differentiate it from the smaller teaspoon (tsp.). Some authors additionally capitalize the abbreviation, as Tbsp., while leaving tsp. in lower case, to emphasize that the larger tablespoon, rather than the smaller teaspoon, is wanted.
What are the 5 types of abbreviation?
There are many different kinds of abbreviations, including acronyms, initialisms, portmanteau, truncations and clipped words.
How do you say for example?
I.e. and e.g. are both Latin abbreviations. E.g. stands for exempli gratia and means “for example.” I.e. is the abbreviation for id est and means “in other words.” Remember that E is for example (e.g.) and that I and E are the first letters of in essence, an alternative English translation of i.e.
How do you show examples?
- «For instance …» «For example» and «for instance» can be used interchangeably. …
- «To give you an idea …» Use this phrase to introduce a use case or example. …
- «As proof …» …
- «Suppose that …» …
- «To illustrate …» …
- «Imagine …» …
- «Pretend that …» …
- «To show you what I mean …»
Is ex an abbreviation for example?
Ex. is actually an English abbreviation. Many people think that it’s the short form of “example,” but it actually stands for “exercise.” Now that we understand what each abbreviation actually stands for, it becomes much easier to use them properly.
What is abbreviation in writing?
An abbreviation, simply put, is a shortened form of a word. In writing, abbreviations are useful when you need to squeeze a lot of writing into a small space. You can also use them in place of long or cumbersome phrases to make your sentences easier to read.
How do you abbreviate quantity?
Qty is defined as an abbreviation for «quantity» and means the number or amount of something.
What is the rule for abbreviations?
The first time you use an abbreviation, it’s important to spell out the full term and put the abbreviation in parentheses. Then, you can use just the abbreviation in subsequent references after that. For example: In the fall, he plans to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
What LOL called?
Lol stands for laugh out loud or laughing out loud. The acronym came about during the 1980s, and by 1993 it had an established use in early forms of electronic communication. Lol has lost some of its edge over the years. When people use it today, hardly anyone expects them to be actually laughing out loud.
What are some common abbreviations?
Common Abbreviations
- approx. — approximately.
- appt. — appointment.
- apt. — apartment.
- A.S.A.P. — as soon as possible.
- B.Y.O.B. …
- c/o — care of, used when sending mail to someone who’s not at their usual address.
- dept. …
- D.I.Y. — Do it yourself.
What are some popular abbreviations?
Common text abbreviations
- ROFL: Rolling on floor laughing.
- STFU: Shut the *swear word!* up.
- ICYMI: In case you missed it.
- TL;DR: Too long, didn’t read.
- LMK: Let me know.
- NVM: Nevermind.
- TGIF: Thank goodness it’s Friday.
- TBH: To be honest.
What are showing sentences?
Show, don’t tell.
In a nutshell, showing is about using description and action to help the reader experience the story. Telling is when the author summarizes or uses exposition to simply tell the reader what is happening.
How can I show without telling?
6 tips to implement Show don’t tell in your writing
- Use the character’s five senses. Take the reader to the scene through the character’s senses. …
- Use strong verbs. …
- Avoid adverbs. …
- Be specific. …
- Use dialogue. …
- Focus on actions and reactions.
What is an example of show not tell?
The Benefits of ‘Show, Don’t Tell’
Showing also helps develop characters in a way that isn’t just listing their traits. For instance, rather than telling your readers that “Gina was selfish and immature,” you could show this side of her by writing a scene where she whines about how everyone forgot her half-birthday.
Is for example formal?
Both of these expressions are used when a speaker or writer wants to introduce a specific person or thing that helps to explain or confirm a general statement. Note, however, that for example is used much more frequently than for instance, particularly in formal contexts, so in academic writing it is a safer choice.
What can I say instead of good example?
synonyms for good example
- epitome.
- exemplar.
- ideal.
- model.
- nonpareil.
- paragon.
- perfection.
- role model.
How do you use for example in a sentence?
You use for example to introduce and emphasize something that shows that something is true. Take, for example, the simple sentence: «The man climbed up the hill.»
What is a initialisms example?
An initialism is a term formed by abbreviating a phrase by combining certain letters of words in the phrase (often the first initial of each) into a single term. Common examples of initialisms include FBI (an initialism of Federal Bureau of Investigation) and TMI (an initialism of too much information).
How do you show abbreviations?
Always write out the first in-text reference to an acronym, followed by the acronym itself written in capital letters and enclosed by parentheses. Subsequent references to the acronym can be made just by the capital letters alone. For example: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a rapidly expanding field.