Meaning & Definition of word "Shorten"

Shorten

/ˈʃɔːrtən/

1. To make something shorter in length, duration, or extent.
- Example: She decided to shorten the hem of her dress for a more fashionable look.
2. To reduce the amount or duration of something.
- Example: The teacher needed to shorten the lecture to fit the time constraints.
3. To abbreviate or cut down on the size or number of something.
- Example: He aimed to shorten his response to the email to keep it concise.

●From Middle English 'shorten', from 'short' + '-en' (to make or become).

Shorten the distance:

To reduce the space between two points.

Shorten your breath:

To make breathing difficult or less effective, often due to exertion.

Shorten the odds:

To make something more likely to happen.

short:

Having little length.

brief:

Short in duration or extent.

condense:

To make denser or more compact.

Meaning: Cut down

● Example Sentence: Let's cut down the story and get to the point.

Meaning: Trim it

● Example Sentence: We should trim it to make it more appealing.