Meaning & Definition of word "Abbreviation"

Abbreviation

/əˌbrɛvɪˈeɪʃən/

1. A shortened form of a word or phrase.
- Example: The abbreviation 'USA' stands for 'United States of America.'
2. The act of making something shorter.
- Example: The abbreviation of long names can help save space in documents.
3. A written or spoken representation of a word or phrase in a shorter form.
- Example: Many scientific terms have common abbreviations to simplify communication.
4. An abbreviation that is also a contraction, such as 'don't' for 'do not.'
- Example: 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.

Meaning: A quick way to say something.

Example Sentence: BRB is a common abbreviation meaning 'be right back'.

Meaning: Using letters to save time in conversation.

Example Sentence: LOL is an abbreviation for 'laugh out loud'.