What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
truncated
Example
The article was truncated due to space constraints. [truncated: adjective]
Example
The pyramid's top was truncated, giving it a flat surface. [truncated: verb]
Example
The data was truncated to fit into the available memory. [truncated: past participle]
shortened
Example
The movie was shortened by 20 minutes for the TV broadcast. [shortened: past participle]
Example
The recipe was shortened to make it easier to follow. [shortened: verb]
Example
The dress was shortened to fit the wearer's height. [shortened: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shortened is more commonly used than truncated in everyday language. Shortened is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while truncated is less common and has a more technical or formal connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between truncated and shortened?
Truncated is typically associated with a more formal or technical tone, while shortened is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
