Abbreviation

/əˌbrɛvɪˈeɪʃən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A shortened form of a word or phrase.

The abbreviation 'USA' stands for 'United States of America.'

The act of making something shorter.

The abbreviation of long names can help save space in documents.

A written or spoken representation of a word or phrase in a shorter form.

Many scientific terms have common abbreviations to simplify communication.

An abbreviation that is also a contraction, such as 'don't' for 'do not.'

In informal writing, contractions are often used as an abbreviation.

From Latin 'abbreviatio', meaning shortening.

et cetera (etc.)

Used at the end of a list to indicate that there are other things that could be included.

for example (e.g.)

Used to introduce an example.

that is (i.e.)

Used to clarify or explain further.

acronym

A type of abbreviation formed from the initial letters of a series of words.

initialism

An abbreviation consisting of initial letters pronounced separately.

contraction

A word formed by shortening and combining two or more words.

A quick way to say something.

BRB is a common abbreviation meaning 'be right back'.

Using letters to save time in conversation.

LOL is an abbreviation for 'laugh out loud'.