abbreviare
to abbreviate
verb ahb-breh-VYAH-reh Rare
Origin: From Latin abbreviare (ab- + brevis, short).
Also means
to shorten
Usage Note
Abbreviare is used both for shortening words (e.g., abbreviare 'signore' in 'sig.') and for cutting time or distance short. The related noun is abbreviazione (f). Do not confuse with accorciare, which more often refers to physically shortening objects (a skirt, a rope).
Examples
"Puoi abbreviare il tuo discorso?"
Natural Translation
Can you shorten your speech?

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