Definitions
- Describing a length of time or distance that is less than average or expected. - Referring to a person or object that is not as tall or long as others. - Talking about a piece of writing or speech that is not as lengthy as others.
- Describing a piece of writing or speech that is concise and to the point. - Referring to a period of time that is not as long as usual or expected. - Talking about a conversation or interaction that is not as lengthy as others.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe something that is less than average or expected.
- 2Both words can be used to describe time, length, or duration.
- 3Both words are comparative adjectives.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Shorter is more commonly used to describe physical length or duration, while briefer is more commonly used to describe written or spoken communication.
- 2Connotation: Shorter can imply a lack of completeness or detail, while briefer implies conciseness and efficiency.
- 3Purpose: Shorter can be used to compare two things of different lengths or durations, while briefer is used to describe something that is already short or concise.
- 4Formality: Briefer is generally considered more formal than shorter.
- 5Parts of speech: Shorter is an adjective, while briefer can be an adjective or a noun.
Remember this!
Shorter and briefer are both comparative adjectives used to describe something that is less than average or expected. However, shorter is more commonly used to describe physical length or duration, while briefer is used to describe written or spoken communication that is concise and to the point.
