Abbreviation

usgb/əˌbriːviˈeɪʃn/
noun

A shorter form of a word or phrase, made by leaving out some letters or using just the first letter of each word in the phrase.

The abbreviation for United States is US.
Visual representation of "abbreviation" - A shorter form of a word or phrase, made by leaving out some letters or using just the first letter of each word in the phrase.

Often appears as...

  • make an abbreviation
  • short abbreviation
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "abbreviation"
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Recognizing Abbreviations

Identify abbreviations by their shorter length and dotted or undotted upper cases in texts.

Illustration for Recognizing Abbreviations
NATO for North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
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Speaking Out

While speaking, say the full word rather than the abbreviation unless it's widely accepted like 'info'.

Illustration for Speaking Out
Use 'information' instead of 'info' in formal presentations.
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Cultural Variations

Some abbreviations may mean different things in different cultures; always check their context.

Illustration for Cultural Variations
'AE' can stand for 'American English' or 'Architectural Engineering'.
Visual representation of the word "Abbreviation"

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