“Shorten” is a verb that means to make something shorter in length, duration, or extent. Here are some synonyms and their analyses:
1. Abbreviate
- Meaning: To make a word, phrase, or text shorter by omitting some parts, usually letters or words. For example, “We can abbreviate 'Doctor' to 'Dr.'”
- Usage difference: “Abbreviate” is mainly used when dealing with language, such as shortening names, titles, or technical terms. In contrast to “shorten,” it is more specific to written or spoken language and the process of reducing the length of a linguistic unit. For example, you abbreviate a long scientific term for convenience in writing, while you can shorten a physical object like a stick by cutting it.
2. Curtail
- Meaning: To cut short or reduce in extent, quantity, or duration. For example, “The company had to curtail its production due to a shortage of raw materials.”
- Usage difference: “Curtail” often implies a reduction that is more forced or due to external circumstances. It has a sense of something being cut back or restricted. In comparison to “shorten,” it may carry a more negative or limiting connotation. For example, you might curtail a person's freedom, while you shorten a rope.
3. Truncate
- Meaning: To shorten by cutting off the top or end. For example, “The editor decided to truncate the long paragraph to make the article more concise.”
- Usage difference: “Truncate” emphasizes the act of cutting off a part, usually at the end or beginning. It is often used in the context of text, data, or geometric shapes. In contrast to “shorten,” it gives a more precise image of a physical or digital cutting - off process. For example, you truncate a number in a computer program by removing some of its digits, or you truncate a cone by cutting off its tip.
4. Condense
- Meaning: To make something more compact or dense, usually by reducing it in volume, length, or scope. For example, “You can condense the story into a few paragraphs.”
- Usage difference: “Condense” implies a process of making something more concentrated or compact. It is often used for written or narrative content, such as condensing a book into a summary. In comparison to “shorten,” it focuses more on the idea of reducing without losing the essential elements and making the content more efficient. For example, to shorten a movie, you might cut out some scenes, but to condense it, you would try to make the remaining scenes more compact and meaningful.