Meaning of shorten in English

1. Pronunciation

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1. Verb

   shorten

   Definitions

   1. make shorter than originally intended

   Examples

   • « reduce or retrench in length or duration »
   • « He shortened his trip due to illness »

   Antonyms

   • lengthen
2. 2. reduce in scope while retaining essential elements

   Examples

   • « The manuscript must be shortened »

   Antonyms

   • elaborate
   • lucubrate
   • expatiate
   • exposit
   • enlarge
   • flesh out
   • expand
   • expound
   • dilate
3. 3. make short or shorter

   Examples

   • « shorten the skirt »
   • « shorten the rope by a few inches »
4. 4. become short or shorter

   Examples

   • « In winter, the days shorten »

   Antonyms

   • lengthen
5. 5. edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate

   Examples

   • « bowdlerize a novel »