Definitions for abbreviate

• Definition
• Anagrams (325)

abbreviate ab·bre·vi·ate

Spelling: [uh-bree-vee-eyt]

IPA: /əˈbri viˌeɪt/

Abbreviate is a 10 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 17 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 20 points.

You can make 325 anagrams from letters in abbreviate (aabbeeirtv).

Definitions for abbreviate

verb (used with object)

1. to shorten (a word or phrase) by omitting letters, substituting shorter forms, etc., so that the shortened form can represent the whole word or phrase, as ft. for foot, ab. for about, R.I. for Rhode Island, NW for Northwest, or Xn for Christian.
2. to reduce (anything) in length, duration, etc.; make briefer:

verb (used without object)

1. to use abbreviations.

Origin of abbreviate

1400-50; late Middle English abbreviaten Late Latin abbreviātus shortened (past participle of abbreviāre), equivalent to Latin ad- ad- + breviātus (brevi(s) short + -āt

Examples for abbreviate

In text matter not of a technical character it is better not to abbreviate.

Gentlemen, I have seen fit to abbreviate the King's message.

Nothing can be added to it, and it would be impossible to abbreviate it.

Page 289: "Ben: Perley Poore" did abbreviate his first name with a colon.

If your honors please, I have endeavored, so far as it was possible, to abbreviate what I have had to say on this subject.

It is common, however, to abbreviate them in a manner peculiarly Malay.

She thought his name long, but had not yet decided how to abbreviate it.

"Well, abbreviate 'community,' that's the longest word," suggested Dick.

And it's easier to delay something than to make something happen, so things tended to elongate rather than abbreviate.

There are a number of words which we abbreviate or contract, in our every-day use.