Definition Definition

shorten - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'shorten' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Shorten [ a.]
- To make short or shorter in measure, extent, or time; as, to shorten distance; to shorten a road; to shorten days of calamity.
- To reduce or diminish in amount, quantity, or extent; to lessen; to abridge; to curtail; to contract; as, to shorten work, an allowance of food, etc.
- To make deficient (as to); to deprive; -- with of.
- To make short or friable, as pastry, with butter, lard, pot liquor, or the like.
2 . Shorten [ v. i.]
- To become short or shorter; as, the day shortens in northern latitudes from June to December; a metallic rod shortens by cold.

Meaning of 'shorten' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . shorten [ v]
Meaning (1):
- edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate
Example in sentence:
  • bowdlerize a novel
Meaning (2):
- make shorter than originally intended; reduce or retrench in length or duration
Example in sentence:
  • He shortened his trip due to illness
Meaning (3):
- become short or shorter
Example in sentence:
  • In winter, the days shorten
Meaning (4):
- make short or shorter
Example in sentence:
  • shorten the rope by a few inches;
  • shorten the skirt
Meaning (5):
- reduce in scope while retaining essential elements
Example in sentence:
  • The manuscript must be shortened