meaning - What does "shortening" mean? Is it different from "abbreviation"?


What does shortening mean? Is it different from abbreviation? I checked the dictionary, but I don't get the difference clearly.



Answer



In fact shortening is a kind of abbreviation.


According to MSN Dictionary There are four main kinds of abbreviations:



  • Shortenings of words usually consist of the first few letters of the full form and are usually spelled with a final period when they are still regarded as abbreviations



cont. = continued


bus = omnibus


taxi = taxicab


zoo = zoological garden


bike = bicycle




  • Contractions are abbreviated forms in which letters from the middle of the full form have been omitted.



Dr. = doctor


St. = saint or street


can't = cannot


didn't = did not




  • Initialisms are made up of the initial letters of words and are pronounced as separate letters.



CIA (or C.I.A.)


NYC


pm (or p.m.)


U.S. (or US)




  • Acronyms are initialisms that have become words in their own right, or similar words formed from parts of several words. They are pronounced as words rather than as a series of letters.



AIDS


laser


scuba


UNESCO



Please Visit this link to read more about abbreviation.


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