shorten

/ˈʃɔːtn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈʃɔːrtn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈshȯr-tᵊn/ (ame, mw)

shorten — verb

  • shortenpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • shortenshe / she / it
  • shortenedpast simple
  • shortening-ing form

1. for the length, distance, or duration of something to be reduced, either because

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

for the length, distance, or duration of something to be reduced, either because someone deliberately cuts or reduces it, or because it naturally becomes less over time

例句

Ilan shortened the sleeves of his jacket because they covered his hands.

transitive: shorten + object (physical length)

The boss decided to shorten the meeting to allow staff to leave early.

transitive: shorten + time period

同義詞
  • reduce

    broader meaning — can apply to amount, cost, or degree, not just length or time

  • cut

    more informal and active; suggests a deliberate reduction ('cut the speech short')

  • abbreviate

    formal; mainly used for words, texts, or time ('abbreviate a name' / 'abbreviate a visit')

  • trim

    implies cutting off a small amount from the edges or ends ('trim the grass')

反義詞
  • lengthen

    the direct opposite — to make or become longer in space or time

  • extend

    to make something last longer or reach further than before

文法句型

shorten + object

shorten + by + amount

subject + shorten (intransitive)

用法筆記

Works for both physical length (clothes, distance) and abstract duration (time, meetings). The amount of reduction is introduced with 'by' (shorten by two inches / by ten minutes). Frequently used in the passive in formal or written English: 'The course was shortened from ten weeks to six.'

常見錯誤

❌I need to short my trousers.
✅I need to shorten my trousers.
💡'short' is an adjective, not a verb; add '-en' to form the verb.
❌The days are shorting in winter.
✅The days shorten in winter.
💡the verb form is 'shorten', not 'short'.