shorten

[ˈʃɔːtn]

shorten Definition

• 1. make or become shorter in length or duration
• 2. reduce the length of (a piece of writing) by condensing or rewriting it

Using shorten: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "shorten" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I need to shorten my skirt before the party tonight.

• Example

  The teacher asked me to shorten my essay to two pages.

• Example

  The company decided to shorten the workweek to four days.

• Example

  The movie was shortened by 20 minutes for the TV version.

shorten Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for shorten

• abbreviate
• condense
• cut
• truncate
• curtail

Antonyms for shorten

• lengthen
• extend
• prolong

Phrases with shorten

• shorten one's stride

  to take smaller steps while walking or running

  Example

  He had to shorten his stride to keep up with his young daughter.

• shorten the odds

  to make something more likely to happen

  Example

  The new policy will help to shorten the odds of success for small businesses.

• shorten someone's fuse

  to cause someone to become more easily angered or irritated

  Example

  The constant noise from the construction site has shortened my fuse lately.

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Summary: shorten in Brief

To 'shorten' [ˈʃɔːtn] means to reduce the length or duration of something, such as a piece of writing or a workweek. It can also refer to making something physically shorter, like a skirt. Phrases like 'shorten one's stride' and 'shorten the odds' extend the meaning to taking smaller steps or making something more likely to happen. 'Shorten' is often used formally, as in 'The report needs to be shortened,' but can also be used informally, as in 'Can you cut down this article?'