Word Games Pro Dictionary

shorten

verb

edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate

Quick reference

Word Facts

Word length
7
Starts with
S
Ends with
N
Contains
HO
Scrabble score
10
CEFR level
A1

How it sounds

Pronunciation

ˈʃɔːtən

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Audio Pronunciation

Audio pronunciation is unavailable for this word.

Meaning

Definitions

verb

  1. edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate

    “bowdlerize a novel”

verb

  1. reduce in scope while retaining essential elements

    “The manuscript must be shortened”

verb

  1. become short or shorter

    “In winter, the days shorten”

verb

  1. make shorter than originally intended; reduce or retrench in length or duration

    “He shortened his trip due to illness”

verb

  1. make short or shorter

    “shorten the skirt”

In context

Example Sentences

bowdlerize a novel
The manuscript must be shortened
In winter, the days shorten
He shortened his trip due to illness
shorten the skirt
shorten the rope by a few inches

Similar words

Synonyms

Opposite words

Antonyms

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