What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abridges
Example
The movie abridges the novel's plot to fit into a two-hour runtime. [abridges: verb]
Example
The abridgment of the encyclopedia made it easier to read and understand. [abridgment: noun]
abbreviates
Example
The abbreviation for 'Doctor' is 'Dr.' [abbreviation: noun]
Example
The company name was abbreviated to 'ABC' for marketing purposes. [abbreviated: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Abbreviate is more commonly used than abridge in everyday language. Abbreviate is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while abridge is less common and more specific to literary or academic contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between abridges and abbreviates?
Abbreviate is generally considered more formal than abridge. It is commonly used in technical writing, legal documents, and formal correspondence, while abridge is more commonly used in literary or academic contexts.
