shorten
word
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 - abreviarPortuguese (BR): encurtar - abreviarPortuguese (PT): encurtar - abreviarChinese (Simplified): 缩短 - 缩小Chinese (Traditional): 縮短 - 縮小Hindi: छोटा करना - संक्षिप्त करनाArabic: يُقَصِّر - يُخَفِّفBengali: ছোট করা - সংক্ষিপ্ত করাRussian: сократить - укоротитьJapanese: 短くするVietnamese: rút ngắnKorean: 줄이다Turkish: kısaltmakUrdu: مختصر کرنا - کم کرناIndonesian: memendekkan
Example Sentences
Cutting corners might shorten the lifespan of your car.
natural
If you want to shorten your wait, arrive early.
natural
Daylight hours shorten in winter.
natural
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