Shortens Meaning in English
word · lemma: shorten
ˈʃɔɹtənz
SHOR-tunz
ʃˈɔːtənz
SHAW-tunz
Definition
To make something shorter in length, duration, or size; to reduce the amount, time, or distance of something.
Usage & Nuances
Often used for time, distance, or physical objects. Common expressions: 'shortens a meeting', 'shortens a skirt', 'shortens the wait'. May be both literal and figurative. Not used for making someone appear less tall.
Spanish: acorta - reducePortuguese (BR): encurta - reduzPortuguese (PT): encurta - reduzChinese (Simplified): 缩短 - 减少Chinese (Traditional): 縮短 - 減少Hindi: छोटा करता है - घटाता हैArabic: يُقَصِّر - يختصرBengali: ছোট করে - সংক্ষিপ্ত করেRussian: укорачивает - сокращаетJapanese: 短くするVietnamese: rút ngắnKorean: 짧게 하다 - 줄이다Turkish: kısaltırUrdu: مختصر کرتا ہے - کم کرتا ہےIndonesian: memendekkan - memperpendek
Example Sentences
The tailor shortens my pants if they are too long.
basic
Daylight saving time shortens the night in summer.
basic
Cutting corners shortens the time needed to finish the work.
basic
Wearing heels shortens the appearance of your dress.
natural
Bad weather often shortens flights because of strong tailwinds.
natural
Stress shortens your patience with people.
natural