Definitions and Examples of shorten, reduce, contract
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To make something shorter in length or duration.
Example
She had to shorten her essay because it was too long.
To make something smaller in size, amount, or number.
Example
The company decided to reduce its workforce due to financial difficulties.
To become smaller in size or amount; to draw together.
Example
The material will contract when exposed to heat.
Key Differences: shorten vs reduce vs contract
- 1Shorten refers to making something shorter in length or duration.
- 2Reduce refers to making something smaller in size, amount, or number.
- 3Contract refers to becoming smaller in size or amount, or drawing together.
Effective Usage of shorten, reduce, contract
- 1Writing: Use these antonyms to vary sentence structure and avoid repetition.
- 2Mathematics: Use these antonyms to describe the opposite operations in math problems.
- 3Negotiation: Use these antonyms to discuss the terms of a contract or agreement.
Remember this!
The antonyms of extend are shorten, reduce, and contract. These words convey the opposite meaning of extend and can be used in writing, mathematics, and negotiation to describe the opposite operations, vary sentence structure, and avoid repetition.