shorter

word · lemma: short

/ˈʃɔɹtɝ/
SHOR-tur
/ʃˈɔːtɐ/
SHAW-tuh

Definition

Shorter is the comparative form of short. It means having less length, height, or time than something else.

Usage & Nuances

Use it when comparing two things: 'a shorter dress', 'a shorter meeting'. It can describe physical size, a person's height, or time. For people, 'shorter than' is common; for time or text, 'shorter' often means reduced length or duration.

Example Sentences

My brother is shorter than me.

basic

This rope is shorter than that one.

basic

We need a shorter movie for the class.

basic

Can you make this email shorter? It’s too long.

natural

Let’s take the shorter route so we don’t miss the train.

natural

After the update, the meeting became much shorter.

natural