Shorten Meaning in English

word

US

ˈʃɔɹtən

SHOR-tuhn

UK

ʃˈɔːtən

SHAW-tuhn

Definition

To make something shorter in length, time, or amount. It can be used for physical things, time periods, or text.

Usage & Nuances

Often used in formal, neutral, or technical contexts. Common collocations: "shorten a dress", "shorten a meeting", "shorten the text". Not used for people (say "make someone shorter"). Compared to "reduce", which is broader; "shorten" focuses on length or duration.

• Spanish: acortar - abreviar
• Portuguese (BR): encurtar - abreviar
• Portuguese (PT): encurtar - abreviar
• Chinese (Simplified): 缩短 - 缩小
• Chinese (Traditional): 縮短 - 縮小
• Hindi: छोटा करना - संक्षिप्त करना
• Arabic: يُقَصِّر - يُخَفِّف
• Bengali: ছোট করা - সংক্ষিপ্ত করা
• Russian: сократить - укоротить
• Japanese: 短くする
• Vietnamese: rút ngắn
• Korean: 줄이다
• Turkish: kısaltmak
• Urdu: مختصر کرنا - کم کرنا
• Indonesian: memendekkan

Example Sentences

Can you shorten the skirt for me?

basic

They will shorten the meeting to save time.

basic

Please shorten the text to 100 words.

basic

Daylight hours shorten in winter.

natural

Cutting corners might shorten the lifespan of your car.

natural

If you want to shorten your wait, arrive early.

natural