shorten

Everyday

1. To shorten something is to make it shorter in length, like shortening trousers or a rope. tree →
2. To shorten something is to make it last less time, like shortening a lesson. tree →
3. To shorten a word or name is to make it smaller, like «Benjamin» shortened to «Ben». tree →

In the lessons

In writing lessons, pupils shorten long sentences to make them clearer and learn that «info» is a shortened form of «information». In maths, shortening a length means subtracting from it. In everyday life, days shorten in autumn and a tailor shortens clothes.

Examples

• Mum shortened my trousers because they were too long. tree →
• The rain shortened our game by ten minutes. tree →
• Can you shorten this sentence? tree →
• «Elizabeth» is often shortened to «Liz». tree →
• The days shorten as winter comes. tree →
• If you shorten a 50 cm ribbon by 15 cm, it is 35 cm long. tree →
• We shortened the rope so the swing was higher. tree →
• And as they went to lay the foundation-stone, Gobborn Seer said to Jack, "Can't you shorten the way for me?" tree →

Note

Regular verb: past «shortened». It is short + -en, meaning «make shorter». In maths, «shorten by» means subtract that amount; «shorten to» gives the new length. Opposite: «lengthen». «Shortening» is also a cooking fat used in baking (a noun).

In Jewish tradition

Means to make less or weaker. "God's hand is shortened" means His power to save is limited, and shortened days mean a life cut short.

Interpretation. Tradition reads Isaiah's question as God's answer that He is not unable to redeem, so exile came from sin and not from weakness.

Examples

• Is My hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? (Prophets ISA.50.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• He weakened my strength in the way; He shortened my days. (Writings PSA.102.24, JPS 1917) tree →
• The days of his youth hast Thou shortened; Thou hast covered him with shame. (Writings PSA.89.46, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb: past «shortened». It is short + -en, meaning «make shorter». In maths, «shorten by» means subtract that amount; «shorten to» gives the new length. Opposite: «lengthen». «Shortening» is also a cooking fat used in baking (a noun).