What does shortening mean? Is it different from abbreviation? I checked the dictionary, but I don't get the difference clearly.
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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.
Manoochehr
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7
Shortening also refers to fats used for baking. Probably not what you meant, though. :)
chaos
- 19,612
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Thank you for the answer. Although I was not looking for this meaning but I didn't know that. – Feb 16 '11 at 21:56
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I was thinking exactly the same thing as you. – Will Feb 16 '11 at 22:01
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@Will: same here. I initially thought the OP wanted to be clear on the difference between those two meanings! – Jimi Oke Feb 17 '11 at 00:40
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1http://cooking.stackexchange.com/search?q=shortening :) – Benjol Feb 17 '11 at 06:32
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1And shortening actually abbreviates gluten molecules :) – Callithumpian May 24 '12 at 05:28
