shorten
/ˈʃɔːtən/ · /ˈʃɔːrtən/
CEFR level B2Topic Daily lifeWord #4637 in the learning path
缩短；变短
Definitions
v. To make or become shorter in length or duration.
缩短；变短
Example
Could you shorten these trousers before the wedding?
你能在婚礼前把这条裤子改短吗？
Improved public transport could shorten commuting times and reduce dependence on private cars in cities.
改善公共交通可以缩短通勤时间，减少城市居民对私家车的依赖。
Collocations
- shorten a journey
- shorten a sentence
- shorten a skirt
Word family
- short (adj.)
- shortness (n.)
Synonyms
- reduce
- trim
Antonyms
- lengthen
- extend
Usage tip
可及物也可不及物：shorten the days；days shorten。
FAQ
- What does shorten mean?
- To make or become shorter in length or duration.
- How is shorten pronounced?
- UK /ˈʃɔːtən/, US /ˈʃɔːrtən/. Use the audio buttons above to listen.
